Calochlaena dubia

Common name(s): Soft Bracken, False Bracken, Common Ground Bracken, Rainbow Fern

Family: Dicksoniaceae (Culcitaceae) Synonym(s): Culcita dubia, Davallia dubia
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Fern
Fern
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Frond
Frond
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Frond
Frond
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Pinna
Pinna
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Rachis_stem
Rachis / Stem
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Fern / Fern Ally Properties
Origin(s)
Australia
  • NSW: NT, NC, CS, CT, CC, ST, SC, CAN
  • QLD: CO, KN, KS, LE, PC, BN, WB, DD, MO
  • SA: SE
  • TAS: NW, ML, NE, BL, EC, SW, FU
  • VIC: WA, GR, MI, VP, OP, OR, EH, GP, GH, PR, EG
New Zealand
  • Nth. Is.: AU
Plant Type
Terrestrial Fern
Terrestrial Fern
Climate Range(s) - Habitat
Temperate Cool, Temperate Warm, Mediterranean, Tropical-Sub, Tropical
Temperate Cool,
Temperate Warm,
Mediterranean,
Tropical-Sub,
Tropical
Aspect Range(s)
Sun - Morning, Shade - Dappled, Shade - Medium, Shade - Heavy
Sun - Morning,
Shade - Dappled,
Shade - Medium,
Shade - Heavy
Habitat Range(s)
Garden, Landscape, Rainforest - Temperate, Rainforest - Tropical, Sclerophyll Forest - Wet
Garden,
Landscape,
Rainforest - Temperate,
Rainforest - Tropical,
Sclerophyll Forest - Wet
Habitat Zone(s)
Gullies, Heavy soils, Moist areas, Moist Valley Slopes, Understory, Well drained
Gullies,
Heavy soils,
Moist areas,
Moist Valley Slopes,
Understory,
Well drained
Mature Height
1-2m
1-2m
Mature Width
2-3m
2-3m
Plant Shape
Low Open Bun
Low Open Bun
Low Open Bun Low Open Bun
Growth Rate
Moderate
Moderate
Life Span
15-30yrs
15-30yrs
Frond Properties
Frond Colour(s) (upper)
Green, Green Light
Green,
Green Light
Frond Colour(s) (lower)
Green, Green Light
Green,
Green Light
Frond Texture (upper)
Smooth
Smooth
Smooth Smooth
Frond Aroma
None
None
Frond Length
300-400mm
300-400mm
Frond Arrangement
Basal or Radial
Basal or Radial
Basal or Radial Basal or Radial
Root Properties
Root Type(s)
Rhizome Short-creeping
Rhizome Short-creeping
Rhizome Short-creeping Rhizome Short-creeping
Root/Rhizome Texture(s)
Fleshy , Wiry
Fleshy,
Wiry
Soil Properties
Soil Type(s)
Clay, Clay-loam, Loam, Sandy-loam
Clay,
Clay-loam,
Loam,
Sandy-loam
Soil pH Range(s)
Acid, Slightly Acid, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Acid,
Slightly Acid,
Neutral,
Slightly Alkaline
Soil Condition(s)
Moist
Moist
Moist Moist
Poor , Shallow , Deep
Poor,
Shallow,
Deep
Soil Salinities
None
None
None None
Other Properties / Uses
Bird Attraction(s)
Insect
Insect
Frog Habitat
None
None
Coastal
None
None
Fire Retarding
None
None
Frost Tolerance
Moderate
Moderate
Snow Tolerance
None
None
Smog Tolerant
Poor
Poor
Landscape Use
Moderate
Moderate
Special Purpose(s)
Groundcover, Shade Tolerant, Shady Moist, Soil Binder
Groundcover,
Shade Tolerant,
Shady Moist,
Soil Binder

General Notes

A very common fern in its range, growing under Eucalypt forest, roadsides and creeks, on poorer soils. Not a true bracken fern. Spreads quite readily with stout rhizomes across the ground.