SafePlants

Forked Comb Fern (Schizaea bifida)

The Forked Comb Fern, scientifically known as Schizaea bifida, is a fascinating fern species found in various regions of the world.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a fern.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a fern.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Schizaea bifida Willd.
• Family: Schizaeaceae
• Genus: Schizaea
• Synonyms:
  • Acrostichum elegans (older reference, likely superseded)
  • Schizaea boninensis (Nakai) H. Ohba
  • Schizaea dichotoma (L.) Sm. -- Fan fern

Common Names

• Forked Comb Fern
• Comb Fern
• Curlygrass Fern
• Fan Comb-Fern
• Forked Fern
• Split Fern

Distribution and Habitat

• The Forked Comb Fern is fairly common in eastern and southern Australia.
• It is also found in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
• It has a global distribution including India, Southeast Asia, the Marquesas Islands, and Hawaii.
• It is also located in Antarctica.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Fronds are clustered and mostly erect, typically reaching 25-35 cm in height.
• Sterile fronds can be simple or irregularly divided.
• Rhizomes are short-creeping and bear glossy, chestnut-brown, septate hairs, measuring 1.5-5 mm long.
• Fronds range in length from 50-500 mm, but can rarely reach greater lengths.

Ecological Role

• Forms an understorey carpet, indicating sandy soils.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions observations and shared experiences regarding its presence.

Further Information

• Waratah Software Reference: p6240135
• Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Adelaide Region, Phone: (61
• WetlandInfo, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland.
• Te Papa's collections (access information on more than 200,000 objects)
• Dave's Garden (community sharing garden tips and ideas).
• Wikimedia Commons (image repository).