Botanical name:

Pakau pennigera (Pneumatopteris pennigera)

Common name(s):

Gully fern, feather fern, piupiu

About:

This fern is commonly found in the lush, damp forests throughout New Zealand, making it a frequent sight for nature enthusiasts. The fresh green fronds, which can grow impressively up to 1.75m long, are elegantly pinnately divided, with the individual leaflets exhibiting distinctive toothed edges. An attractive fern, it often forms a slender trunk that adds to its aesthetic appeal. It thrives best in conditions of shade, shelter, consistently moist soil, and requires some protection from frosts to flourish.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane, usually in dense forest in riparian habitats or in gullies, or on frequently flooded ground. A common fern under willows (Salix spp.). Often found along waterways in urban wasteland, Although usually found in shaded situations Pakau will tolerate considerable exposure provided its roots are in a permanently damp situation.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North, South, Chatham Islands. Also Australia.

Height: 1m

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easily grown provided it is planted in a permanently moist soil, in a shaded site, and sheltered from frost.