Common Maidenhair Fern

About

A delicate native fern that clings to the damp, shaded rock crevices of Morialta's gorge and waterfall gully, marking out the permanently moist microclimates hidden within an otherwise dry Adelaide Hills landscape.

How to spot it

Fine, wiry black stems supporting bright green fronds divided into small fan-shaped segments. Spore clusters (sori) sit along the underside edges of each segment. Fronds 10-45cm tall, favouring sheltered, damp rock ledges.

Found in

• Morialta Conservation Park