Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Athyrium otophorum (Miq.) Koidz., Fl. Symb. Orient.-Asiat. 40 (1930)
Synonymy:
  • Asplenium otophorum Miq., Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 3, 3: 175 (1867)
Syntype: Japan, Buerger, L 0052444 (!online)
Etymology:
From the Greek otos (ear) and phorus (bearing), a reference to the shape of the pinnules.
 Recognition

In New Zealand Athyrium otophorum has a short, erect rhizome giving rise to fronds up to 550 mm long. It has yellow-brown stipes up to 220 mm long, bearing linear or narrowly ovate, blackish-brown scales proximally. The laminae are 2-pinnate to 2-pinnate-pinnatifid, ovate to broadly ovate, up to 350 mm long and 350 mm wide, and glabrous or with occasional narrow scales on the rachis. The primary pinnae are up to 200 mm long and 60 mm wide. The secondary pinnae are up to 40 mm long and 12 mm wide, shortly-stalked, lobed or deeply pinnatifid, with the basal acroscopic lobe longer than the others. The indusia are entire and elongated along the veins and up to 2 mm long.

 Distribution

North Island: Northland.

Altitudinal range: 10 m.

Known from one locality in Kerikeri.

Occurs naturally in China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

 Habitat

Recorded as sporadically self-sown along the edges of paths and among ferns in a cultivated area at Kerikeri. Self-sown sporelings have also been recorded in a shade-house at Helensville.

 Biostatus
Exotic
 First Record

Heenan et al. (2004, p. 802). Voucher AK 283997, 2003.

 Bibliography
Brownsey, P.J.; Perrie, L.R. 2018: Athyriaceae. In: Breitwieser, I.; Wilton, A.D. (ed.) Flora of New Zealand — Ferns and Lycophytes. Fascicle 24. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Heenan, P.B.; de Lange, P.J.; Cameron, E.K.; Ogle, C.C.; Champion, P.D. 2004: Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes naturalised or casual in New Zealand: additional records 2001–2003. New Zealand Journal of Botany 42: 797–814.
Koidzumi, G.-I. 1930: Florae Symbolae Orientali-Asiaticae. Kyoto.
Miquel, F.A.W. 1867: Prolusio Florae Japonicae. Filices. Annales: Museum Botanicum Lugduno-Batavum 3: 91–209.