About Oceaniopteris cartilaginea (Sw.) Gasper & Salino
Oceaniopteris cartilaginea, also known by the synonym Blechnum cartilagineum, is commonly called the gristle fern or soft water fern. This is a resilient, abundant fern that grows in eastern Australia, where it occurs in both rainforest and eucalyptus forest. Its new growth is often pink or reddish in colour. Once established in a shady location, it is very tolerant of dry conditions. It can be found in sheltered areas along creeks within 200 metres of sea level, growing in dry sclerophyll forest or on the margins of wet sclerophyll forest.
