This evergreen epiphytic or terrestrial fern has a wiry long creeping rhizome to 10 mm (? in) thick with semi-erect foliage and forms a dense clump. The variable divided glossy dark green fronds are lobed and the fertile fronds produce spores during summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Colysis amplais naturally found in Australia in northern Queensland growing in tropical forests on trees or forming a dense clump over rocks and is commonly associated with creeks from sea level to an altitude of 1,150 m (3,772 ft).

It prefers a semi-shade to shaded wind protected humid position and it grows in very well-drained organic rich sandy silty soils terrestrially or on composted leaf mould as an epiphyte. It is drought and frost tender and is intolerant of dry air.

Creeping Colysis is grown for its attractive foliage and its clumping habit. It is planted in the understory of rainforest settings and is trained to climb on tree trunks. It is also grown as a shade house specimen or as a glasshouse specimen in cooler regions. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. This fern is also grown in pots and tubs but may be difficult to cultivate as it requires a hot humid environment. ID 438

Note:
Under cultivation mountain forms are generally easier to grow than the coastal forms. It may also be difficult to obtain requiring a specialised nursery.

Colysis (koy-LEE-sis) ampla (am-PLA)

Polypodiaceae(pol-ee-PODE-ay-see-ee)