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STUDIES OF AUSTRAL BRACKEN ( PTERIDIUM ESCULENTUM ) IN THE VICINITY OF CANBERRA
Author(s) -
CARTLEDGE O.,
CARNAHAN J. A.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1971.tb02563.x
Subject(s) - bracken , frond , pteridium aquilinum , rhizome , biology , botany , fern
S ummary Austral bracken ( Pteridium esculentum ) in the vicinity of Canberra is shown to behave differently from the European P. aquilinum. Studies of the morphology of the rhizomes suggest that the margins of austral bracken advance slowly and irregularly. Only two phases are recognizable in the austral bracken plant: the marginal phase and the central phase. The marginal phase is characterized by short fronds and rhizomes that are approximately parallel. The central phase generally has tall fronds, a dense rhizome system and rhizomes that lack the spatial orientation found at the margin. Sheep and cattle tracking and vigorous rhizomatous grasses may inhibit frond emergence. These factors in association with relatively low rainfall and poor soil may be responsible for the slow rate of expansion of bracken margins.