Botanical name:

Pellaea falcata

Common name(s):

Sickle fern, Australian cliff brake

About:

This fern is primarily found on the remote Kermadec Islands and also in several localised coastal areas of Northland. It is characterised as a creeping fern, featuring narrow pinnately divided fronds that can reach lengths of up to approximately 75cm. The small dark green leaflets are both pointed and oblong in shape, adding to its distinctive appearance. This fern can be somewhat challenging to cultivate and generally prefers a moist soil environment, thriving best in locations that offer semi-shade.

Natural habitat:

Coastal in short scrub, on cliff faces and in open forest. Often on small islands, also inland on scoria and basalt rocks around Auckland City.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Drought, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Common in eastern Australia. In New Zealand primarily a species of northern offshore islands (including the Kermadec Islands) but also known from a few locations in Northland, Auckland and Coromandel.

Height: 50cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Containers

How to grow:

Easy from fresh spores. Very fast growing and an excellent pot plant. Does well in a variety of soils, light levels and moisture regimes but intolerant of weeds.