Plant
Hound's Tongue Fern
Lecanopteris pustulata pustulataAlso known as Kangaroo Fern, Kangaroo Vine Fern
Hound's tongue fern spreads across tree trunks and forest rocks using a thick, scaly, green creeping rhizome. Its glossy leathery fronds vary dramatically in shape from simple lance-like blades to deeply lobed fronds with distinctive raised bumps on the upper surface. This adaptable fern plays a vital epiphytic role in temperate rainforest ecosystems throughout New Zealand and eastern Australia.
EpiphyticEvergreenFern
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Herbivorous snails
- Slugs
- Caterpillars
ThreatsForest fragmentation and invasive weed encroachment
HabitatsTemperate rainforests, coastal forests, rocky outcrops
Life spanPerennial (10–30+ years)
Classification
- FamilyPolypodiaceae
- SpeciesLecanopteris pustulata pustulata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look closely at the upper frond surface for raised bumps that mark sori underneath.
- Habitat Search: Scan tree trunks and damp rock faces in moist temperate rainforests.
Frequent Companion (c) Emily Roberts, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Roberts · cc-by
Ecological Neighbor Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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