Botanical name:

Hymenophyllum demissum

Common name(s):

Drooping filmy fern, Irirangi, piripiri

About:

H. demissum is a fascinating terrestrial or epiphytic filmy fern characterised by its long-creeping stems, known as rhizomes, which extend across the forest floor and climb up onto various substrates. This species possesses pale green, hairless fronds that feature smooth margins, along with pointed and usually paired sori that contribute to its distinctive appearance. H. demissum is a very common endemic species that can be found thriving in a variety of environments throughout New Zealand, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane in forests. Usually terrestrial where it typically forms dense carpets on the ground, on banks or on rotting logs. Also epiphytic, and then found mostly on the basal trunks of forest trees and tree ferns. Sometimes found in forest growing over boulders, rocks and on cliff faces.

Growing environment:

Drought, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec (Raoul Island), North, South, Stewart, Chatham and Auckland Islands. Widespread except for the drier parts of the eastern South Island

Height: 25cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Difficult! The lifecycle of the fern could not occur without specific environmental requirements.