Botanical name:

Lastreopsis velutina

Common name(s):

Velvet fern

About:

An uncommon endemic fern is found in scattered areas throughout the North Island and extending down to Dunedin in the South Island. This unique fern exhibits a tufted habit with its fronds growing to a height of 30-90 cm. The fronds are characterised by their soft, lacy texture and a rich, deep green colour, with the lower leaflets being particularly wide spreading. It thrives in shaded environments and requires moist conditions without becoming waterlogged, making it probably better suited to cultivation in a dedicated fernery setting. Overall, this fern has limited availability, which adds to its appeal for collectors and gardening enthusiasts.

Natural habitat:

Found in damp lowland or coastal forest

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South Islands

Height: 90cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown provided plants are planted in a permanently moist, shaded, well drained, humus enriched soil.