Phlegmariurus dalhousieanus is one of the rarest epiphytes to occur in north-eastern Australia. It took me three years and several hundred kilometers walking search transects (and a fair bit of obsession) to finally encounter this species! Sadly it is still in decline and I hope it doesn’t disappear altogether. It is the largest of the Australian Phlegmariurus species growing up to 2 m long with shoots 4 to 6 cm thick.
Collection Data (A.R.Field & H.R.Field ARF000766)
Classification & Common Names
- Class: Lycopodiopsida
- Family: Lycopodiaceae
- Genus: Phlegmariurus (Herter) Holub
- Species: Phlegmariurus dalhousieanus (Spring) A.R.Field & Bostock
- Var./Subsp.:
- Common name(s): Blue Tassel
General Collection Data
- Date: 06-XI-2004
- Primary Collector & #: A.R.Field & H.R.Field ARF000766
- Collection Party: A.R.Field & H.R.Field
- Det. History:
- Habitat: Tropical rainforest
- Habit: Epiphyte
- Specimen Locations: BRI, CNS
Additional Comments
An extremely scarce rainforest canopy epiphyte growing from the base of Platycerium hillii in complex mesophyll vine forest on metamorphics.
Collection Location
- Location: – – – Queensland – Australia.
- Coordinates:
- Elevation: < 50 m
Spectacular plant! Does it occur outiside of Australia as well?
Yes Michael it does occur outside Australia as well. It is extremely scarce but ranges all the way from Thailand to Fiji.
Great photos – thanks for sharing.
Ash interesting differences that I see in the wild plant then the malaysian form. I am guessing it is habitat differences..
I collected one in Fiji, on the island of Taveuni last November!