Botanical name:

Diplazium australe

Common name(s):

About:

An attractive fern that exhibits a tufted growth habit, this species features graceful fronds that can vary significantly in length, growing anywhere from 50cm to an impressive 2m. It is most commonly found thriving in the natural environments of the west coasts of the North Island as well as the upper regions of the South Island. The large, light green fronds are not only visually appealing but also possess a soft and feathery texture that enhances their charm. This fern prefers to be situated in a shady spot with soil that is light yet consistently moist, making it an ideal candidate for a variety of garden settings. Notably, it tends to be quite weedy, which means it can spread easily in suitable conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal, lowland to montane forested habitats, common in alluvial forest, along river flats, in gullies, or swamp forest’s. Often found in rough pasture or under willows. Often found in urban areas.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand: North and South Islands (though it is mostly absent from the drier eastern side of both islands, reaching its apparent southern limits in the west near Greymouth and in the east in the Marlborough Sounds) Also Australia (eastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, southern Victoria and Tasmania) and Norfolk Island.

Height: 2m

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easy from spores and rooted pieces. Very fast growing and inclined to become weedy. Prefers a shaded site but copes well in full sun provided it is planted in permanently damp ground. In cooler parts of the country it dies down to the rhizome during winter.