Zealandia pustulata

This epiphytic fern species seems to climb onto suitable substrates (fallen logs, rocks, growing plants etc.) via long, creeping grey-green rhizomes. The rhizomes have clathrate, ovate scales which are 3-7 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. Generally, the species exhibits 1-9 pairs of lobed, glossy-green fronds which are erect to pendant and can range from 5-50 cm in length. The texture of the fronds is leathery, and they have thick, wavy margins. They have distinct, relatively large (approximately 3-4 mm wide) circular sori on their abaxial surface. The spores themselves are 45–62.5 µm long, 20–32.5 µm wide, pale, with wart-like protuberances.[4] The species can grow to a maximum height of approximately 30 cm and a maximum width of approximately 120 cm.

Zealandia pustulata ranges from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria on the Australian mainland, and to Tasmania, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Zealand's North and South islands, and the Chatham, Kermadec, and Antipodes islands.[2]

Zealandia pustulata is widespread and commonly described as both a lithophyte and epiphyte. They are evident across a range of Wet Sclerophyll Forest, Rainforest and more open Subalpine environments[5] with preferred growing conditions being in ferneries or gullies with partial to full shade.[6] The species are described as middle storey species, but are evident anywhere from forest floors to canopies.[7]

There are two subspecies. Zealandia pustulata subsp. pustulata is present across the species' range.[2] Zealandia pustulata subsp. howensis is endemic to Lord Howe Island.[8][2]

The species was first named Polypodium pustulatum by botanist Georg Forster in 1786.[9] Edwin Copeland published the name Microsorum pustulatum in Genera Filicum Copeland, E.B. (1947). The name was derived from the species' characteristic small, blistered (risen) sori on its abaxial surface (micro = small, sorum = from sori, pustulatum= blistered).[10] In 2019 the species was renamed Zealandia pustulata by Testo & A.R.Field, which is accepted by Plants of the World Online. The species and its subspecies are known by numerous other synonyms.[2]

• Phlebodium aureum, similar looking fern
• Microsorum punctatum, another similar looking species