Cheilanthes distans
(R.Br.) Mett. Bristly Cloak-fernRhizome short, semi-erect or horizontal; scales narrow and tapering, dark with paler margins, shiny. Fronds clustered near tip of rhizome, stiffly erect, usually small; fertile fronds 3–30 cm tall, 1–2 cm wide at broadest point. Stipe shorter than lamina, slender, dark brown, densely scaly when young. Lamina narrowly oblong, 2-pinnate, dull and dark green; rachis brown, shiny, moderately to densely covered with pale scales. Pinnae usually well separated along rachis, short; pinnules shallowly lobed, blunt; lower surface moderately to densely clad in pale, flat scales, 2–3 mm long, with fine tips; upper surface with or without scattered, long, white hairs. Sori protected by reflexed margins of shallow lobes; spores dark brown and spherical.
Wim, VVP, VRiv, GipP, Gold, CVU, NIS, EGL, EGU, HSF, HNF, MonT, VAlp. Also WA, SA, Qld, NSW (including Lord Howe Is.), ACT, Tas, Norfolk Is. New Zealand, New Caledonia. Grows in crevices of rocky outcrops or on exposed rocky hills in inland regions (e.g. Bendigo, upper Snowy and Macalister Rivers, Buchan and Corryong areas), but uncommon. Not as tolerant of desiccation as Cheilanthes lasiophylla.
Entwisle, T.J. (1994). Ferns and allied plants (Psilophyta, Lycopodiophyta, Polypodiophyta). In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 13–111. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
