This fern has a short blackish creeping rhizome that forms a clump with erect divided fronds with dark brown stems and light green leaflets that have prickly margins. The fertile fronds appear during midsummer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Doodia aspera is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast from northern Queensland to Victoria in moist gullies in rainforest and woodlands and extend to the adjoining tablelands.

It prefers a semi shaded to sunny protected position commonly amongst rocks growing in moderately well drained moist clay loams and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The Prickly Rasp Fern very hardy clumping fern with attractive foliage and is grown in a shaded understory. It is also planted amongst rocks around a water feature and along low borders. It establishes in 3-4 years from division and is suitable for coastal regions. This fern is also grown as a potted specimen plant for courtyards or on balconies tolerating a wide range of conditions. ID 430

Doodia (DOO-dee-uh) aspera (AS-per-uh)

‘Doodia’: after 17th century English botanist S. Doody.

Blechnaceae (blek-NAY-see-ee)