Family: Pteridaceae
Author: R.Br.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 154 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pteris
Vegetable: False
Observations: Australasia to S. Pacific
Description
Australian bracken, scientifically known as Pteris tremula, is a fern species belonging to the Pteridaceae family. Described by the botanist Robert Brown in 1810 in his work “Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae,” this plant exhibits a significant distribution across Australasia and extends into the South Pacific regions.
Pteris tremula thrives in a variety of habitats, showing remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions. This perennial fern is known for its extensive root system and fronds, which are typically bright green and can attain considerable lengths, providing a lush, verdant contribution to the ecosystems it inhabits. The fronds themselves are finely divided and present a delicate, yet resilient structure.
The Australian bracken plays a critical role in its native habitats, often forming expansive, dense colonies. These colonies can significantly influence soil composition and contribute to the prevention of erosion. Moreover, they create a unique understorey environment that supports a diverse range of other plant and animal species.
Interestingly, Pteris tremula has cultural and ecological importance as well. While it can be invasive in non-native settings, it serves as a crucial component in traditional uses and local biodiversity within its natural range. The plant’s presence is a testament to the intricate balance within these ecosystems, where each species plays a specific part.
In horticulture, Australian bracken is occasionally utilized for its ornamental appeal in gardens, particularly in regions that can mimic its native conditions. However, care must be taken to control its spread to avoid unwanted invasions.
Overall, Pteris tremula stands out not just for its botanical characteristics but also for its substantial role in natural environments from Australasia to the South Pacific.
Common Names
Eng: australian bracken, australian brake, poor-man’s-cibotium, shaking brake, tender brake, tender brake fern, trembling brake
Mri: turawera
Deu: zitter-saumfarn
Swe: vingbräken
En: Australian bracken, Australian brake, Tender brake fern, Trembling brake, Poor-man’s-cibotium, Tender brake, Shaking brake
Fi: Pitsisanikka
De: Zitter-Saumfarn
Mi: Turawera
Sv: Vingbräken
Synonyms
- Pteris baueriana (Dies ex Endl.)
- Pteris tremula var. pectinata (Domin)
- Pteris affinis (A.Rich.)
- Pteris tenuis (A.Cunn.)
- Pteris arguta var. tremula ((R.Br.) Luerss.)
- Pteris tremula smithiana (Pynaert)
- Pteris tremula var. caudata (Regel)
- Pteris tremula var. minor (Regel)
Distribution
- Chatham Is. (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Kermadec Is. (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
- Norfolk Is. (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
- Victoria (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Mexico Northeast (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Thiago Diniz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by niroshan hewage (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 16, 2014 by EOL − Robert Vennell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 29, 2013 by EOL − bbi2 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 27, 2022 by verde mosca (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2022 by verde mosca (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 31, 2014 by EOL − Tony Wills (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275406)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17217090-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pteris tremula R. Br.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb