Adiantum formosum

Botanical name: Adiantum formosum

Common name(s): Giant maidenhair, Plumed maidenhair, Black stem maidenhair

Plant facts:

A spectacular large maidenhair fern with graceful arching fronds and glossy black stems. This species forms impressive colonies in damp shaded forests and gullies, producing finely divided foliage that can reach almost two metres tall. One of the largest and most striking maidenhair ferns found in New Zealand.

Natural habitat:

Alluvial forest, shaded gorge sides, moist woodland floors and deep leaf litter in sheltered humid environments.

Growing environment:

Shade tolerant, Moist soil loving, Humus loving & Shelter loving.

Distribution:

Indigenous to New Zealand and eastern Australia. In New Zealand it is now naturally very localised, mainly around the Manawatū Gorge and nearby forests.

Height:

Up to 1.8 m tall

Foliage:

Large soft dark green divided fronds carried on glossy black stems.

Uses:

• Woodland gardens
• Fernery and shade plantings
• Large feature fern
• Underplanting beneath trees
• Moist shaded banks and gullies
• Tropical-style native gardens

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tall spreading fern with long creeping underground rhizomes that gradually form extensive colonies.

Fronds:
Fronds are large, airy and highly divided, creating an elegant layered appearance. The foliage ranges from triangular to pentagonal in outline.

Stems:
The wiry black stems contrast beautifully against the bright green foliage and are a defining characteristic of the species.

Rhizomes:
The rhizomes are usually deeply buried and may extend widely underground before producing new fronds.

How to grow:

Thrives in fertile, moist, free-draining soil in sheltered semi-shade. Best planted beneath trees or in protected woodland settings with high humidity and consistent moisture. Avoid excessive sun and dry conditions. Once established it dislikes disturbance. Easily propagated from rooted divisions of the rhizome.