Gleichenia dicarpa
pouched coral fern
Eastern Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
Overview
Gleichenia dicarpa is an evergreen fern that forms dense, scrambling, tangled thickets 3-7 feet (1-2 m) high, spreading by wiry, branching rhizomes. The fronds branch repeatedly in a forking pattern, with the ultimate segments very small, 0.04-0.08 inch (1-2 mm) long, rounded, and pouched beneath, giving the foliage a beaded or coral-like texture. New growth is bronze-green, maturing to mid-green above and paler beneath. The fern reproduces by spores borne in small clusters on the underside of the segments rather than by flowers or seeds. Growth spreads laterally to form interlocking colonies. It grows in permanently moist to wet, acidic, peaty soils in heath, swamp margins, and seepage lines, and is sensitive to drying out, drought, and disturbance of its root mat.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Grows in wet heath, swamp margins, seepage slopes, and damp gullies on acidic, peaty soils, from the lowlands to montane areas.Suggested Uses
Used in bog gardens, pond and stream margins, and restoration of wet heath. The dense tangled growth suits naturalistic wetland and habitat plantings. Its need for constant moisture limits its use in dry or free-draining gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 7'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
As a fern, it reproduces by spores rather than flowers. Spores are produced in small clusters on the underside of the segments, mainly over the warmer months. New fronds unfurl in spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight