A giant prehistoric fern

[Johanne Brunet]

Hello,

   A student of mine is looking for the species name of a giant fern
that secretes silica glass shards with poison, originates a long time
ago, stands 6-18 feet tall, is touch sensitive and lives in Australian
rain forests. Could anyone help? Thanks.

                                    Johanne Brunet
                                    brunetj at bcc.orst.edu