Botanical name:

Rumohra adiantiformis

Common name(s):

Leathery shield fern, florists fern

About:

A climbing fern characterised by its thick, leathery, and vibrant fresh green fronds that exhibit a distinct triangular shape. The stout and hairy rhizome of this fern will gradually wind its way up the trunk of a tree fern or other similar tree if it is carefully planted at the base. This fascinating plant is commonly found in both lowland and montane forests across New Zealand, although it is notably less prevalent in the South Island. It thrives in dry conditions and typically prefers environments that offer semi-shade.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial in forest or dense scrub. Usually in indigenous forest but also commonly seen epiphytic on willow along river banks, in gullies and on the margins of wetlands.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. Also Central to South America, southern Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarenes, Seychelles, New Guinea and  Australia

Height: 90cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Although the New Zealand race of Rumohra is easily grown it is slow to establish. Best results are obtained from plants attached to tree trunks of grown in hanging baskets. Rumohra prefers a humus enriched, damp free draining soil or potting medium. It does not like full sun and should not be allowed to dry out.