Rhizomes short, covered with black or brown scales. Sterile and fertile fronds similar. Fronds linear-lanceolate in outline, to 60 cm or so long, 3-5 cm wide, slightly prickly. Segments near base of frond with stalks. Stalk with scattered brown scales. Sori in 1 or 2 rows each side of the midvein.

Will tolerate cool conditions.

E Australia, Lord Howe I., Norfolk I., NZ, Pacific.

Sterile and fertile fronds similar; rough and tough with black, warty stalks; segments attached by midrib only along less than one third of frond blade.

 

Doodia squarrosa Colenso from Qld and NZ is occasionally sold; it has different fertile and sterile fronds and more or less hairless blades that are elliptic in outline.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Blechnaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Doodia media)