Ferns and Fern Allies in the Canberra RegionBlechnum penna-marina - Alpine Water FernBlechnum penna-marina is one of the more remarkable ferns in the Canberra region, as it grows among the sphagnum moss swamps in the high alpine regions over 1000 metres altitude (3300ft). It tolerates snow cover for several weeks at a time in winter.
|
This
clump was growing among alpine grasses and sphagnum moss. The photo
shows the scrambling habit of the fern. A fertile frond can be seen
at centre far right. The pinnate fronds are much smaller than those
of other water ferns, and are typically 10 to 15 cm long (4-6"),
with a similar length of stipe below the pinnae reaching down into the
bog. The fern is very hardy and easy to grow provided it has enough
water. 
