Austral Adder's-tongue

Images ©:
©Ophioglossum lusitanicum, Ophioglossum lusitanicum Chris Lindorff CC2.5, Ophioglossum lusitanicum Richard Hartland CC-BY

Ophioglossum lusitanicum

Distinctive diminutive perennial herb to 2.5 cm with one to three broad, erect leaves 2 cm long and 10 mm wide, fleshy not divided.

Details
Flora Type
Ferns
Distinctive Features

Characteristic fertile spike contains two rows of spore-bearing structures.
Biology

Fronds appear after late winter or early spring rains, soon withering. Even when fully grown, this fern is often overlooked because of its small size. Forms colonies. Almost cosmopolitan in distribution.
Native Status
Native
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Polypodiopsida (Ferns)
Order
Ophioglossales
Family
Ophioglossaceae
Genus
Ophioglossum
Species
lusitanicum

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

A primitive fern. The name Adder's Tongue comes from its characteristic fertile spike 5-15 mm long on stalk up to 8 cm long.

Interesting Facts
Similar Species

Ophioglossum petiolatum has broader, longer leaves, and distinctive veins forming network of aureoles.
Native Status
Native