Gristle Fern

Description:

Blechnum cartilagineum, commonly known as "gristle fern" or "soft water fern", is a member of the fern family Blechnaceae. Native to eastern Australia, it is a resilient and abundant species. Seen in rainforest and eucalyptus forest areas. Younger fronds may be pink. It is also very tolerant of dry conditions once established in a shady area, and that was definitely the case here. One thing I do look for with all ferns is to see how the individual leaves are attached to the frond. I suspected this was gristle fern because the leaves are arranged alternately along the stem (3rd photo), and are broadly attached with no tapering. Then a little homework to confirm the ID.

Habitat:

Spotted in subtropical rainforest along the Gold Creek walking track at Gold Creek Reservoir, which lies just to the west of Brisbane. Freshwater lake and dense native bushland vegetation of dry eucalypt forests and subtropical rainforests. This particular area was well-shaded by large trees, and despite the drought, was cool and moist, particularly in the early AM hours.