Austral Bracken

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©Gary Clark and Suzanne Clark, Gary Clark and Suzanne Clark, Gary Clark and Suzanne Clark

Pteridium esculentum

Fronds are erect, rigid and distant up to 250 cm long (occasionally up to 2 m in sheltered sites). The fern leaves (laminae) are triangular to wedge-shaped, dark green above and paler below. The rhizome is thick and woody to 15 mm in diameter. It is covered with dark red-brown hairs which are eventually lost.

Details
Flora Type
Ferns
Distinctive Features

A very hard-leaved fern.
Biology

Perennial. This hardy fern readily colonises disturbed areas and may be difficult to control as small pieces of the rhizome will continue to grow. Growth is stimulated by fire.
Native Status
Native
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Polypodiopsida (Ferns)
Order
Polypodiales
Family
Dennstaedtiaceae
Genus
Pteridium
Species
esculentum

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The most common and widespread fern in Vic. The starchy rhizomes were roasted and beaten into a paste, and then eaten by Aboriginal people. The green parts of the fern are toxic and were not eaten. The young milky stems were rubbed on to ease bites and stings.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Native