Botanical name:

Dicksonia lanata subsp. lanata

Common name(s):

Stumpy tree fern, tūākura and tūōkura

About:

A small tree fern with a highly localised distribution, this plant can be found in forests stretching from the far North down to the western areas of the South Island. It typically forms a short, slender trunk, which can sometimes extend in a prostrate manner, and usually grows to a height of about 1.5 to 2m. It features unique yellowish-green fronds that can range impressively from 75cm to 2m in length. This slow-growing fern has specific requirements, thriving best in a shady spot with rich, well-draining soil, but it can prove to be somewhat challenging to cultivate successfully.

Natural habitat:

A species found at higher elevations on the North Island where it favours damp areas near the tree line and down to sea level on the South Island.

Growing environment:

Shade, Coastal & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Occurs in higher areas of the North Island from Coromandel Peninsula southwards, although it is uncommon in the southern North Island. It also occurs in the northern and western South Island.

Height: 2m

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Difficult. Propagation is by spore & success rates are highly variable.