[1] Austroblechnum divergens in its broader circumscription is native from Mexico to southern Brazil.

[1] Some sources treat the taxon known by the synonym Blechnum rimbachii as a distinct species;[2] if so, it is endemic to Azuay Province, Ecuador (found 2,000 m above sea level), and is only known from an early 20th century collection.

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

[3] Similarly, the synonym Blechnum floresii is regarded as representing a separate species by some sources.

If so, it is endemic to Ecuador, where it is known from only two locations in Pichincha Province.