Botanical name:

Hypolepis ambigua

Common name(s):

Pig Fern

About:

This endemic fern is recognised as the most common species of the genus Hypolepis, being found throughout the North Island as well as in the coastal and lowland areas of the South Island. The fronds can grow up to 1 m or more in length, and the leaflets of this fern are notably much divided, contributing to its unique appearance. It spreads quickly in suitable environments and prefers to thrive in a damp situation, ideally in a lightly shaded to shady area, making it an adaptable species in New Zealand's diverse ecosystems.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. A ‘weedy’ species of disturbed sites in open forest, forest clearings, forest margins, in scrub, and in open grassland. It is often a component of brackenfield and as with H. dicksonioides, H. ambigua frequently colonises urban areas, where at times it can become a troublesome ‘weed’.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easily cultivated from fresh spores and by the division of established plants. Hypolepis ambigua is a short-lived, and at times aggressive species such that it is probably not well suited to garden conditions.