Described to science by Richard Henry Beddome in 1869 in Ferns of British India, Drynaria rigidula is considered very rare fern by some collectors.  Found in the larger family Polypodiaceae, within some scientific literature as well as in Australia some don't consider the species rare at all. 

Drynaria rigidula is known by a total of 14 scientific synonyms (same species, different name) but the accepted scientific name is Drynaria rigidula.  D. rigidula is native to Australia, New Caledonia, and possibly the island of Papau New Guinea but some sources indicate it is also found in China and SE Asia.  That information cannot be verified on botanical sources.

Considered an endangered fern in portions of its native habitat, Drynaria rigidula is commonly known in Australia as the Basket Fern and grows in a large clump.  The species has been observed by botanical scientists as an epiphyte (ep-a-FIT) growing on trees, growing terrestrially in soil, and as an epilithic (ep-a-LITH-ic) form growing on stone. 

Unusual in its growth form, Drynaria rigidula has two very different types of fronds.  The shield fronds are brownish red and are also known as ‘nest’ fronds.  These fronds are short and feel something like paper.  The sometimes erect green fronds may be up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length and are segmented into many "blunt-toothed" leaflets on short stalks. 

Round packets of the plant's spores (sori) form in two rows on the back sides of the leaflets and create a bulge on the front.  Sori form in regular rows on either side of Drynaria rigidula's mid vein.  The mid vein is the center support of each frond.  The green fronds are often completely lost during periods of dryness. 

Drynaria rigidula was once considered completely extinct in New South Wales, Australia but has since been rediscovered and many now consider it common.  A member of the Polypodiaceae family, Drynaria rigidula is primarily found in rain forests.  Technically the fern is a rhizome which is densely covered with long, reddish brown ciliate (hairy) scales.  The shield fronds are sterile while the green fertile fronds are pinnate (feathery).  

Some sources indicate the species is now found in only 3 locations in New South Wales although it is still relatively common in Queensland where it is widely found in the eastern portion of the territory.  Only one plant is known from each of the known locations in New South Wales.  The species is threatened due to loss of habitat and the risk of extinction is extremely high due to the fern's low population in selected locations.

Drynaria rigidula loves to stay wet.  We have attached our specimen to the outside of a wooden orchid basket and have filled the basket with sphagnum moss that will retain water.  Our specimen of Drynaria rigidula was a gift from rare fern enthusiast Windy Aubrey.  

If you're lucky enough to find a specimen be prepared to pay dearly.  Small specimens of this plant have sold in the United States for prices as high as $200! 

Photo above Copyright 2009, Leland Miyano