Silver fern

The Silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) is a species of medium-sized tree fern endemic to New Zealand. Silver fern is the commonly used name for what the Maori call Punga or Ponga.

Related Topics:
Tree fern - Endemic - New Zealand - Maori - Punga

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This fern is known to grow to heights of 10 m or more (though it occasionally takes a rare creeping form). The crown is dense, and the fronds tend to be about 4 m long and have a silver-white colouration on the undersides. This distinctive silver colouration has made them useful for laying along tracks for night walking. The scales are a dark brown and are often twisted and glossy.

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The silver fern occurs on the main island of New Zealand east to the Chatham Islands, mostly in the subcanopy areas of drier forests and in open scrub. It is known to grow well in well-drained humus, and once established, it will tolerate dryer conditions. It does best when sheltered from winds and should be protected from frost.

Related Topics:
Chatham Islands - Humus

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