Botanical name:

Cyathophorum bulbosum

Common name(s):

Quill moss, the false fern moss

About:

C. bulbosum is often mistaken for a small fern due to its unique and distinctive appearance. The stem of this fascinating plant can grow up to 20cm in height, although it is typically found within the more common range of 5–15cm, with the longer specimens predominantly discovered in various regions throughout Australia. The stems are generally characterised as single shoots featuring an evenly paired and flattened leaf arrangement. However, it is not uncommon to come across the occasional forked stem, adding to the plant's intriguing morphology.

Natural habitat:

Found growing on soil, rocks, the bases of trees, rotting logs and the trunks of tree ferns. It prefers a moist and shaded site, generally close to streams or continuous water sources. Common in temperate rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand, as well as Papua New Guinea, Australia, Auckland Islands, Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island and possibly Norfolk Island

Height: 20cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Forests & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Can be cultivated from fresh spore or division.