Ophioglossum reticulatum
L.Plants 7–16 cm tall, with 1–3 fronds, apparently forming colonies. Rhizome erect, short, tuberous; roots few, brittle, spreading, sometimes with vegetative buds. Stipe fleshy, partly below ground, not persistent. Lamina 2–6 cm long, membranous, ovate to oblong-ovate; base broadly cuneate to truncate; veins distinct, forming network of areoles, free vein endings usually not evident. Spike 10–40 mm long when mature, on stalk up to 10 cm long, growing from base of sterile lamina; 11–28 pairs of sporangia per spike.
NIS, EGL, EGU, HSF, HNF, MonT, VAlp. Apparently an uncommon species in Victoria, restricted to cool mountain forests in the north-east where it grows on muddy verges of streams.
The distinction between this species and O. lusitanicum is rather nebulous. When the lamina is broad and membranous, the venation distinct and the sporangial spike long, O. reticulatum is clearly distinguished from O. lusitanicum, but plants exist with short spikes and leaves intermediate in texture and shape.
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.
