© Sonia Molino, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Oceaniopteris spp.
Australasia and the southwestern Pacific
Overview
Oceaniopteris is a genus of terrestrial ferns in the family Blechnaceae, segregated from the larger genus Blechnum and distributed through Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and islands of the southwestern Pacific. The genus includes around a dozen species, several of which develop a short, erect rhizome or slender trunk to 1 m (3.3 ft), giving them the look of small tree ferns. Fronds are once-pinnate, leathery, and arranged in a spreading rosette, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 m (1-5 ft) long depending on species, with closely spaced pinnae that are widest at the base. As in many Blechnaceae, the fronds are dimorphic: fertile fronds stand more erect and bear narrow pinnae with linear sori running along each side of the midrib, while sterile fronds are broader and more spreading. New growth is often flushed pink to bronze before hardening to deep green. Species occur in moist forest, streamsides, and sheltered gullies, and most are frost-sensitive. The genus is closely tied to humid, shaded habitats, and species differ in cold tolerance, with some Tasmanian and New Zealand forms enduring light frost while subtropical species do not.
Native Range
Oceaniopteris ranges across Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and the islands of the southwestern Pacific, growing in moist forest, along streams, and in sheltered gullies.Suggested Uses
Oceaniopteris species are grown in shaded, humid gardens, fern houses, and conservatories in mild climates, and as understory plantings beside streams and ponds. Trunked species are used as small structural ferns in subtropical and warm-temperate gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 5'
Bloom Information
Oceaniopteris, like all ferns, does not flower. Reproduction is by spores borne in linear sori along the undersides of the fertile fronds, released mainly in the warmer months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
deep green, flushed pink to bronze when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight