Fern
Polystichum proliferum (mother shieldfern)
Characteristics:
Polystichum proliferum is a hardy, cool climate terrestrial fern with attractive dark green divided fronds.
Perferred Conditions:
Frost hardy and favours cool, moist areas. It will grow on a wide range of soils, preferring well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Filtered shade is ideal, though will tolerate full sun for short periods.
Dimensions:
Height: - 130cm
Spread: - 10cm
Spacing: - 30cm
Dicksonia antarctica (soft treefern)
Characteristics:
Dicksonia antarctica is the most abundant tree fern in South Eastern Australia. They are terrestrial ferns and have an erect rhizome forming a trunk, large spreading fronds and are very hairy at the bas of the stipe.
The Soft Tree Fern can be used as a food source, with the pith of the plant being eaten either cooked or raw. It is a good source of starch.
Perferred Conditions:
The fern grows on damp, sheltered woodland slopes and moist gullies, and they occasionally occur at high altitudes in cloud forests. They can grow in acid, neutral and alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade. It strongly resents drought or dryness at the roots, but does best in moist soil.
Dimensions:
Height: - 15M (typically 4.5-5M)
Spread: - 2-6M
Spacing: - 2M
