Microsorum scandens [Polypodiaceae]; Fragrant FernA cousin of one of my favourite plants, Microsorum pustulatum (Kangaroo Fern), this species is more exclusively epiphytic or lithophytic, almost never found growing on soil.
Also native to New Zealand, where it is more widespread in a range of forest types, around Sydney this species favours rainforests and fern gullies were humidity remains high and fire is rare. In these settings it forms sheets on boulders and tree trunks, with its mature fronds never oriented upward, but rather hovering slightly below horizontal, creating an interesting geometric effect. I have never grown this species in Sydney, however I believe it would succeed in sufficient humidity and moisture. I have seen it performing excellently, grown up rain chains at a project by veteran landscape designer’s Gary Boyle near Auckland. I would be prepared to wait decades for this to manifest.
