This is a fern in the Pteridaceae family which I find quite an interesting plant. It is native to several countries including Australia, where it is found in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Natural occurrence is thought to be rare. They are found on hillsides, frequently near streams and in limestone areas. In built up areas of Sydney, these ferns can be found on or around concrete structures. It is interesting as it is an arsenic accumulator, where it takes up arsenic from the soil where present, which could be useful in bio-remediation projects. The name Pteris comes from the Greek word pteron, meaning feather or wing. Vittata is Latin for ribbon.

The fronds are between 30-80 cm long and pinnate, with the individual pinnae being opposite with 15-30 pairs and a terminal pinna. Upper pinnae are 10-15 cm long and 1 cm wide. They are mid- to dark- green with a brown stripe at the base. The leaf stalk is brown, being covered in pale scales and hairs. The sori are arranged in continuous lines on the margins of the underside of the leaves.

These fears have an underground rhizome, which is short and thick, with a creeping habit. They are covered in pale, papery scales.

• All photos are my own
• Www.plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
• Robinson, L., (2003) Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney, Simon and Schuster (Australia) Pty Ltd, Cammaray