Botanical name:

Adiantum diaphanum

Common name(s):

Tuberous maidenhair, small maidenhair

About:

A small fern reaching about 20cm in height, this species features a creeping rhizome and deep green oblong leaflets. It is commonly found in lowland forests and scrub in the North Island but is less frequent in the South Island. Unlike many ferns, it has a higher tolerance for dry conditions, making it well-suited for planting in shaded areas beneath small trees and shrubs.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland in closed or open forest. Often on clay banks, under overhangs, on rubble slopes or along rocky stream sides.

Growing environment:

Shade, Drought, Coastal & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec (Raoul Island), North, South and Chatham Islands. Common from Te Paki to the Waikato otherwise rather local reaching as far south as Dunedin. Also found in southern China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia, Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands and the wider Pacific.

Height: 20cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Container & Indoor friendly

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spore or division. Best suited to a shady site planted in a light, well-drained soil.