Cephalomanes C.Presl

5 species native AUST.; Qld, N.S.W., Vic., N.T.

Cephalomanes caudatum (Brack.) Bostock

Small ferns. Rhizome long-creeping, 1–1.5 mm diam., densely clothed with dark red bristle-like hairs. Stipes and main rhachis with 2 almost imperceptible ridges. Fronds 2–3-pinnate-pinnatifid, membranous, 4–21 cm long including the stipes, 1–4 cm (rarely up to 7cm) broad. Veins dark, not reaching the margin. Sori 12–130 on each frond. Involucre tubular with the mouth truncate or slightly expanded, often 2-lipped, entire or slightly erose. Receptacle long-exserted. Widespread. RF, epiphytic on the trunks of trees or tree ferns