Botanical Name
Gleichenia microphylla
Common Name
Scrambling Coral Fern
Description
Gleichenia microphylla is a spreading, scrambling fern with long, wiry fronds that branch repeatedly, forming a dense, thicket-like groundcover. The fronds bear many small, finely divided leaflets, giving the plant a delicate, feathery appearance. It often forms extensive colonies and can create a soft, tangled layer of foliage in suitable conditions.
Plant Category
Ferns
Size (H x W)
30-60cm × 1-3 meters
Habitat
Native to eastern and southern Australia, Gleichenia microphylla grows in cool, moist environments such as wet heathlands, swamp margins, and damp forest understories. It prefers acidic, nutrient-poor, consistently moist soils and thrives in high rainfall areas with protection from drying winds and direct, harsh sun.
Cultural SIgnificance
As part of Australia’s ancient fern flora, this species represents the prehistoric plant communities that were traditionally valued by Aboriginal peoples for their role in heathland ecosystems and as indicators of specific soil and moisture conditions.
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