Basket Fern

Description:

Drynaria rigidula, commonly known as the "basket fern", belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. The fertile foliage fronds are large and dark green, the smaller brown sterile nest fronds are clustered at their bases (see 2nd photo). If there are enough of these sterile fronds, these ferns actually do look like they're in a basket, so it's not just some trite retail name you'd find in a plant nursery. Basket ferns are epiphytic (growing on trees) or epipetric (growing on rocks) - in this case, the latter. Easily recognizable by being the only species in the genus with 1-pinnate foliage fronds. The lobes are narrow, taper to a sharp point, and are narrowly-winged at their attachment to the rachis. Sori are arranged in two rows along the primary vein of each lobe. An interesting fact: In Australia, Drynaria rigidula serve as shelter for amethystine pythons (Morelia amethistina) and scrub pythons (Morelia kinghorni), most usually in winter. I'll be sure to keep an eye open next time. (info sourced from Wiki) PS: I originally misidentified this spotting as Prickly Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera), also an Australian native, but the characteristic details listed here compelled me to continue my ID search. Things aren't always what they seem, but that's OK because research can be fun too :)

Habitat:

Spotted in Ravensbourne National Park, on a section of rocky ridge known as Sandstone Overhang, which overlooks Palm Creek. The park is renowned for its huge Sydney Blue Gum eucalypts, dense rainforest and massive palm groves, and despite this country currently being in drought, is still reasonably lush and moist. This spotting is on the rainforest margin and neighbouring groves of Piccabeen Palms. This overhang and ridge, however, is exposed and very dry, although there's probably enough moisture found in the cracks and crevices of the sandstone rock to sustain these plants through prolonged dry periods; these are hardy plants. And I would think that any surface runoff and moisture in the soil, particularly after rain, would make its way from the surrounding area towards this overhang. Park elevation above 500 mtrs. https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/ravens...

Notes:

Although common in Queensland, Drynaria rigidula has been classified as an endangered species in NSW. The species is currently known from only 3 locations in NSW. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/deter...