SafePlants

Flat Fork Fern (Psilotum complanatum)

The Flat Fork Fern, scientifically known as Psilotum complanatum, is a unique and fascinating plant. It is also sometimes referred to as Flatfork Fern.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Psilotum complanatum Sw.
• Common Name: Flat Fork Fern
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Class: Psilotopsida (Whisk Ferns)
• Family: Psilotaceae
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but related ITIS Name: Psilotum complanatum Sw. (TSN 17007)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Flat Fork Fern is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants, typically anchored in collections of rotting leaf litter in trees or in the forks of branches.
• It is found in locations such as Atherton Tableland, Far North Queensland, Australia.
• It has been observed in locations ranging from South Fork Hoh River Trail at Big Flats in the temperate rain forest to Moa nahele* or Flat-stemmed whiskfern that droops on rocks, lava flows, and as epiphytically on tree trunks and forks of branches.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a bright green, almost leafless epiphyte.
• Whisk ferns (Psilotum) have no true leaves or roots.
• The stem is photosynthetic and repeatedly forks, forming a small twiggy bush.
• It can grow up to 70 centimeters tall, but is often much smaller.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Flat Fork Fern grows as an epiphyte on trees.
• It can be found alongside moss and other ferns in its natural habitat.
• It is sometimes found in tree forks with Asplenium australasicum.

Quirky Facts

• Whisk ferns have no true leaves or roots.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Psilotum complanatum.
• Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge, Atherton Tableland, Far North Queensland, Australia, provides photos and text about the Fork Fern.