Hypolepis rugosula

Hypolepis rugosula (common name ruddy ground fern), is a common ground fern found throughout rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests, especially after recent disturbances in the forests.

Habitat
Hypolepis rugosula is found most frequently in stream beds, damp gullies, inside drainage ditches, swampy grounds, clearings and margins of forest or open areas. It grows on soils or even rocky areas. Although usually restricted to smaller patches, in freshly disturbed soils it can form large extensive patches. It is more frequent at higher altitudes.

Identification
Recognized by the burgundy colour of its main axes (petioles, rachises and pinna-rachises), red/brown stipe, and the vascular bundle of petioles which are pi-shaped and distally split into two S-shaped bundles, as well as absence of soral hairs.

Infraspecifics
There are several accepted infraspecifics