Schizaea pectinata toothbrush fern

The large, dense tuft of Schizaea pectinata fronds has ridged or channelled stems that are thin, erect and green. The plant achieves its robust looks from the multiplying of well-established underground rhizomes.

The brown, spore-bearing pinnae at the top appear broadly fan-like or comb-like. The specific name, pectinata, is derived from the Latin word pecten meaning a comb and the word part -atus indicating possession or likeness, referring to the comb resemblance.

To some the fronds may appear like toothbrushes, but the suggestion is not recommended (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Bean and Johns, 2005; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; Andrew, 2017; iNaturalist).