How to Grow and Care for Tangle fern

Swamp umbrella fern is a small fern that is sometimes called tangle fern. This name refers to the masses of tangled roots that Gleichenia dicarpa forms. Thanks to this specific characteristic, Gleichenia dicarpa is commonly used to prevent soil erosion.

Carrier tangle is a fern found in large colonies in damp areas such as waterfalls, swamps, open forests, and under cliffs in Australia and New Zealand. This fern often forms dense, impenetrable tangles (hence why it is called a “tangle”).

Alpine tangle fern is a fern characterized by its delicate, divided fronds that give it a feathery appearance. These fronds are typically green, often with a slight reddish tinge, reflecting alpine tangle fern's adaptation to cooler alpine environments. The wiry, creeping rhizomes suggest its resilience, anchoring the plant in rocky soils and aiding in its spread across mountainous terrains. Alpine tangle fern forms dense clusters, which contribute to its survival against the elements.

Gleichenia punctulata is a distinctive fern with arching, divided fronds that evoke a feathery appearance. Its environment plays a crucial role in its survival, thriving in shady, moist conditions often found in forest understories. The small, round sori dots beneath the fronds are key identification markers. This species is known for its resilience and ability to cover ground, creating an almost prehistoric undergrowth ambiance.

Coral fern is a tropical fern with a distinctive sprawling growth habit, its slender, divided fronds creating a dense, tangled thicket. This species thrives in the dappled sunlight of forest floors, often forming a carpet-like layer that adds to the ecosystem's diversity. Its wiry stems and green, leathery leaflets adapt well to the humid conditions, enabling coral fern to successfully colonize and spread across the understory.