A common, spreading ground fern growing to about 40 cm tall. Found in rainforest margins and wet eucalypt forests in all eastern states.
Named for Samuel Doody. Aspera means rough and relates to the rough feel of the fronds.
Very hardy, tolerant of root competition, and some direct sun.
Propagation is from fresh spores or by clump division.
Photo: John Abbott
Foliage
Pale green erect fronds are deeply lobed (pinnatifid) and have small curved teeth and thickened margins
New fronds are attractive in shades of pink and red.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage undersides
Fertile fronds are similar to the sterile ones except they have 2-4 lines of round sori (spore clumps) on the undersides of the frond.
Photo: Robert Whyte
