Botanical name:

Dicksonia fibrosa

Common name(s):

Wheki-ponga, wheki-kohoonga, golden tree fern, kuripaka

About:

The slowest growing native New Zealand tree fern is known for its impressive resilience and ability to thrive in various environments. Naturally occurring throughout the entire region of New Zealand, it can be found flourishing at elevations ranging from sea level all the way up to 1000m above sea level. The pleasing symmetrical appearance and remarkable hardiness of this particular species make it a favorite among enthusiasts of New Zealand tree ferns. The fibrous trunk of this fern can grow to an impressive 60cm in diameter, and as the old fronds wither and die off, they gracefully hang down from the trunk, resembling a skirt. The mature fronds are significantly lighter than those of the Dicksonia squarrosa species and have the potential to reach impressive lengths of up to 2m as they unfurl.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane, usually in forested situations, often in riparian sites or at gulley heads.

Growing environment:

Frost & Sun tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Uncommon north of the Waikato River and Coromandel Peninsula.

Height: 10m

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spores, and also by transplants of mature trunked specimens. A beautiful but slow-growing species that does best in cooler climates, in a damp, humus-enriched soil.