Botanical name:

Icarus filiformis

Common name(s):

Thread fern, climbing hard fern, pānoko

About:

This fern is native to the coastal and lowland forests of the North Island and upper South Island. It exhibits two distinct forms. The juvenile form is terrestrial, characterised by creeping rhizomes and rounded oblong leaflets, which are dark green with toothed margins. In its natural habitat, this juvenile form spreads across the ground and navigates obstacles like rocks and logs, making it an effective ground cover for shaded areas beneath trees. The adult form, on the other hand, ascends into trees and features elegant, trooping fronds that can reach lengths of up to 70 cm. Its leaflets are dark green and pointed oval in shape, with finely toothed margins, and the fertile fronds appear thread-like. Establishing the juvenile form in garden settings is generally easier.

Natural habitat:

Damp coastal to lowland forests.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & upper South Islands.

Height: 70cm

Flowering: 

N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Ground cover.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh spore or division. Prefers a fairly heavy soil in shade and is very slow growing. It is of limited availability.