Mother Shield Fern

Common Name: Mother Shield Fern

Scientific Name: Polystichum proliferum

Native to: Australia

What does it look like: The Mother Shield Fern is very common in wet forests in Tasmania. Its fronds are large collections of many individual leaves (called fronds) with many green leafy blades growing off of the stalk. The big fronds (leaves) can grow as long as 1 metre and 30 cm wide. 

Science Fun Fact: Though it prefers cooler and moister habitats, like gullies and creeks, Mother Shield Fern will often be found growing in dryer areas due to its resilient qualities including the ability to tolerate bad soil qualities and winds.