Botanical name:

Hypolepis millefolium

Common name(s):

Thousand-leaved fern

About:

An endemic fern species can be found primarily in the mountainous regions of both the North and South Islands, as well as in various southern offshore islands. It thrives at significantly higher altitudes compared to most other fern varieties. The common name of this fern aptly reflects the finely dissected and delicately textured nature of its soft green fronds, which can grow to an impressive length of up to 1 m. This particular fern is classified as a deciduous variety, which means it sheds its leaves seasonally, and it possesses a tendency to spread rapidly, often establishing itself in damp soil conditions while favouring areas with light shade.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine. In northern part of range virtually confined to montane - alpine areas but descending to sea level on the subantarctic islands. Hypolepis millefolium is a common fern of grassland and rock strewn slopes. It also extends into scrub and forest. On the Chatham Islands it grew in restiad peat bogs, while on the subantarctic islands it grows amongst tussock grassland and open Dracophyllum scrub.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart, Chatham, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands. In the North Island it is known from Mt Pirongia and East Cape south, though mostly from the Central Volcanic Plateau, Mt Egmont and main axial ranges.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering: 

N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Hypolepis millefolium is very attractive fern that is easily grown from fresh spores and rooted pieces. Despite its typical associated within montane to alpine habitats it can be grown easily at low altitudes. Unlike many other Hypolepis, H. millefolium is less inclined to be short-lived and, as a rule is less ‘weedy’.