Botanical name:

Gleichenia microphylla

Common name(s):

Carrier tangle fern, parasol fern

About:

The fronds of this particular fern species can grow impressively tall, reaching up to 1 m in height, and the delicate, fine pinnate leaflets are intricately divided multiple times. This division creates the tangled and somewhat chaotic appearance that gives rise to its well-known common name. It typically thrives in poorly drained clay soils, particularly in lowland regions across New Zealand, although it is not found on the east coast of the country. This fern prefers a consistently damp environment and tends to favor shaded conditions for optimal growth. However, it is important to note that it is extremely challenging to cultivate and has very limited availability in the market.

Natural habitat: 

Coastal to lowland, on impoverished soils, clay pans, serpentinite scree, eutrophic to mesotrophic swamps and in coastal cliff seepages. Also can be found on thermally heated ground where it sometimes forms an important ground cover in open scrubland.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart Island from North Cape south but often absent from the eastern side of the two main islands. More common north of Kawhia and Mahia Peninsula’s. Also found in Australia, Indonesia and south-east Asia.

Height: 1m 

Flowering: N/A Spore producing 

Fruiting: N/A

Uses: 

Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Fickle. Probably best left alone. Transplants have sometimes been successfully grown in shaded conditions with plants planted in an acid, poorly drained soil. But results vary and plants tend to resent any root disturbance.