Botanical name:

Hypolepis distans

Common name(s):

About:

The fronds of this particular fern are noticeably narrower than those of the other species, featuring more widely spaced leaflets that enhance its delicate appearance. They can grow to a height of 90 cm or more, making them striking in their habitat. The red-brown stalk is distinctly shinier and adds an attractive contrast to the leaf color. This fern is found in a variety of localities throughout New Zealand, thriving in diverse environments. Like the other ferns in its family, it grows quickly and is well-suited to a broad range of conditions, allowing it to flourish in many different settings.

Natural habitat:

Usually found in swampy areas, especially on peat, or in soils with a deep humus layer. In forest situations (or disturbed forest margins) it often colonises decomposing logs. Very occasionally it is found as a weed of garden centres and nurseries, plants often arising from the peat that is bought into these areas to use as potting mix.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South (Marlborough, North-West Nelson and North Westland with one record from Banks Peninsula) and Chatham Islands. Also Australia.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spores and by division of established plants. Should be planted in a humus rich (peat is ideal), damp soil. Does best in a warm sunny place but once established tolerant of a range of situations of moisture levels.