Botanical name:

Austroblechnum durum

Common name(s):

About:

An endemic fern inhabiting several coastal regions of the South Island, as well as Stewart Island, the Chathams, and subantarctic island groups. It exhibits a tufted growth habit with upright, ladder-like sterile fronds reaching lengths of approximately 60cm. The leaflets are narrow, oblong, slightly pointed, dark green, and leathery in texture. Fertile fronds tend to be more compact, featuring closely spaced narrow leaflets.

Natural habitat:

Coastal forests in mixed hardwood/podocarp forest floors.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South & Stewart Islands. Somewhat restricted range in the South Island from south of Okuru and the Haast River eastward to the Catlins area. Slightly more abundant on Stewart Island.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Container Friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spore or division. Does better in a cool situation with light to medium shade and a good damp soil.