Botanical name:

Doodia mollis 

Common name(s):

Mokimoki, mukimuki

About:

This unique endemic fern has localised populations that can primarily be found in the lush environments of the upper North Island and the scenic region of Hawkes Bay. It typically thrives in areas where it grows alongside D. media, but specifically in damper sites that provide the right level of moisture. The narrow fronds of this fern can reach lengths of up to approximately 40 cm, featuring quite widely spaced leaflets that contribute to its delicate appearance, and notably, the young growth exhibits a lovely pink hue. This plant prefers consistently damp conditions along with some shade to flourish and develop properly.

Natural habitat:

Usually found in coastal to lowland forest, often along river margins or in alluvial forest, especially in damp sites or in deep highly fertile forest soils (especially overlying basalt, andesite or alluvium). Occasionally found under light scrub on damp clay banks. This species has also been gathered from the margins of drains running through alluvial forest. Often found in association with Doodia australis, with which it forms sterile hybrids known as D. xdigena Parris. More rarely found sympatric with D. squarrosa, with which it may also hybridise.

Growing environment:

Frost, Drought, Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand:’s Kermadec Island ( Macauley Island) & North Islands from Awanui south to the Hamilton Basin, Hauraki Plains, coastal portion of the Bay of Plenty and from the Hawkes Bay, and the southern Wairarapa.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Ground cover, Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spores. An attractive fern that does well in dappled light on free draining, fertile but damp soil. Makes an excellent pot plant. Despite its apparently delicate nature it can be very drought tolerant.