Botanical name:

Asplenium trichomanes

Common name(s):

Spleenwort

About:

Usually found in close association with limestone rock, in the North Island, this particular fern is confined primarily to the regions of Hawkes Bay and the King Country; however, it is notably more common in the eastern portion of the South Island. The narrow, ladder-like fronds can grow up to 30 cm in length and are characterised by their dark green colour, which complements their oblong leaflets beautifully. This fern tends to form small dumps and demonstrates a remarkable ability to tolerate quite sunny conditions, although it prefers a well-drained soil that has a little lime added for optimal growth. It serves as a good choice for a rock garden, especially when planted in crevices where it can thrive.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to subalpine. Favouring sparsely vegetated, sunny sites on base-rich rocks such as limestone, basalt, schist or the apatite-rich facies of greywacke rock. In the North Island it is virtually confined to calcareous rock and soil.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands from near Waro (north of Whangarei) south though often localised.

Height: 30cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Easily grown in a pot, or in a crevice within a rock wall. Does best on a base-rich substrate such as limestone or basalt (or mortar within a brick wall). Prone to attacks from scale, mealy bugs and aphids. Propagation is by spore or division.