This understory plant is found in open forests and rainforests in Tasmania, Victoria,  NSW and Queensland. An open spreading fern with fronds growing from 50 – 200cm tall, very common at Mandeni and Manna Park. Can be seen growing in moist soils and exposed areas alongside (and is often confused with) Common Bracken (Pteridium esculantum), both these species recover well after fire.

The foliage is large, triangular and yellow green, covered in fine hairs and the fronds are softer than Bracken. Bracken has a distinctive long ‘finger’ at the tip of each frond.

Above: Rainbow Fern foliage in foreground (light green) Common Bracken background (dark green), notice the difference pinnule shape (G. Maglio June 2011).

Above: Rainbow Fern stand near Blackboys ladies tee on the Mandeni golf course  (G. Maglio June 2011).

Left: Fine hairs on stem and leaves on Rainbow fern (not present on Bracken).

Right: Sporangia on the underside of foliage  (G. Maglio June 2011).