Coral Fern ( G. microphylla )

Gleichenia microphylla

“Habit and Habitat as per G. dicarpa. Uncommon” – NPOS p.314

Yet another Coral Fern! Along with the Pouched Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa) and Gleichenia rupestris, the G. microphylla completes the entire set of coral ferns found in Sydney, according to NPOS anyway.

G. microphylla has features of both G. rupestris and G. dicarpa. It had very fine small fronds that are a deep green colour and convex on the top like G. dicarpa. But on the underside they are flat or just slightly concave like G. rupestris.

I fond this specimen growing on the side of a damp sandstone cliff at the back of the house. There was some G. dicarpa growing there too. G. microphylla is meant to be uncommon in the area so I’m happy to have found it so close by.

G. microphylla Coral Fern growing on a damp sandstone cliff. I came across this when I was out the back looking after the blocked sewer main. Thanks sewer!

G. microphylla frond. It looks a lot like the Pouched Coral Fern from the top. but under the leaves it was flat, no pouches.

Close up of the fronds.

more info:

• Atlas of Living Australia
• Wikipedia

• Coral Fern
• Fern
• Gleichenia
• Gleichenia Microphylla
• Native
• Yard