''Alsophila lepidoclada'' is a species of tree fern native to central and eastern New Guinea, where it is locally common in

rainforest Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...

and mossy forest at an elevation of above sea level. The trunk of this species is erect and usually 2–3 m tall. Fronds are bipinnate, about 1.5 m in length, and form a sparse crown. The stipe bears blunt spines and scales towards the base. These scales are glossy, dark brown in colouration, and have a paler, thin margin. The round sori are borne in groups of four to five per fertile segment. They are covered by deep, firm indusia that are cup-like in appearance.

References

lepidoclada Endemic flora of New Guinea {{alsophila-plant-stub