Ferns are a type of plant that is found in many different places around the world, including New Zealand. There are over 12,000 species of ferns, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some ferns can be as small as 6 inches, while others can grow to be over 10 feet tall!
Ferns prefer to grow in moist or shady areas, which is why you often see them growing near streams or in forests.
There are more than 12,000 species of ferns in the world and about 300 of these grow in New Zealand. The climate and soil here is ideal for ferns and they can be found growing wild in forests, on mountaintops and even in alpine meadows.
Ferns have a fascinating life cycle.
They start out as tiny spores which are carried by the wind until they find a suitable spot to land. Once there, the spore germinates and grows into a small plant called a prothallus. The prothallus produces both male and female sex cells which join together to form an embryo fern plant.
This new plant then grows into a mature fern, producing spores of its own which will eventually start the cycle all over again. Ferns can live for many years – some species are known to be more than 200 years old!
In New Zealand, you can find native ferns such as mamaku (Black Tree Fern), ponga (Silver Tree Fern) and koru (Wheki).
These large tree ferns grow up to 20 metres tall and their trunks can be covered in thick layers of mosses, lichens and liverworts. Epiphytic orchids also often grow on tree fern trunks – another example of the close relationship between plants in our forests.
Credit: www.tepapa.govt.nz
What is the Nz Fern Called?
The New Zealand fern is officially known as the Ponga or Silver Fern. It is an iconic symbol of New Zealand and is often used in branding and advertising. The Silver Fern grows to between 1-2 metres in height and has glossy, dark green leaves.
The undersides of the leaves are silver in colour, hence its name. The fern is an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
How Many Types of Ferns are There in New Zealand?
Ferns are a diverse and interesting group of plants, with over 12,000 species found all over the world. In New Zealand, there are around 200 different species of ferns, ranging from small tufts of grass-like plants to large tree-like ferns.
Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be found in nearly every type of habitat.
Some common types of ferns found in New Zealand include:
Tree ferns (Dicksonia spp.) – these large ferns can grow up to 20 metres tall and have a trunk-like base. They are commonly found in damp forested areas.
Red koru fern (Trichomanes reniforme) – this small Fern is easily recognisable by its bright red colouration. It is often found growing on rocks or tree trunks in moist forest habitats.
Ponga/silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) – the silver fern is an iconic New Zealand plant, and is our national symbol.
It is a tall tree Fern that can grow up to 10 metres high, and has distinctive silver-grey leaves. Ponga can be found throughout New Zealand in damp forest environments.
What Countries Do Ferns Grow In?
Ferns grow in nearly every country on Earth, with the exception of Antarctica. They are found in tropical rain forests, temperate woodlands, and even deserts. Ferns have adapted to a wide range of climates and habitats, from damp shady spots to sunny rocky slopes.
There are more than 12,000 species of ferns, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some ferns are tiny enough to fit on your fingertip, while others can grow up to 10 feet tall!
Ferns reproduce using spores instead of seeds.
Their life cycle is fascinating to watch as a new plant grows from just a few cells into a mature fern over the course of several months.
Are Tree Ferns Native to New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to a variety of unique plant life, including tree ferns. Tree ferns are not native to New Zealand, but were introduced from Australia and other parts of the world in the late 1800s. Today, there are an estimated 10,000 species of tree ferns in New Zealand.
While they are not native to the country, they have become an important part of the ecosystem and contribute to the uniqueness of the landscape.
Tree Ferns of New Zealand – Species Identification in the Bush
Where Do Ferns Grow
Ferns are a type of plant that reproduce via spores instead of seeds. They typically have long, slender leaves and can range in size from a few inches to several feet tall. Ferns grow in moist environments, such as near waterfalls or in humid forests.
Some fern species can also tolerate dryer conditions, such as those found on mountaintops.
New Zealand Fern Symbol
Ferns are an iconic part of New Zealand’s natural landscape. They grow in shady, moist areas and their distinctive fronds add a touch of exoticism to the bush. Ferns have been used as a symbol of New Zealand for many years, appearing on coins, stamps and other national emblems.
The silver fern is particularly revered by New Zealanders. It is often referred to as the ‘national flower’ and is used in many patriotic contexts. The fern has come to represent all that is good about New Zealand – its natural beauty, its Maori heritage and its friendly people.
When you see a silver fern, it’s hard not to feel proud to be a Kiwi!
Silver Fern Plant
The silver fern plant is a beautiful addition to any home. It has long, slender leaves that are covered in silver-colored scales. The plant is native to New Zealand and grows best in humid conditions.
Silver fern plants can reach up to six feet tall and produce small white flowers. These flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. The silver fern plant is an evergreen, meaning it will keep its leaves year-round.
In the winter, the leaves of the silver fern plant turn a burgundy color.
Types of Ferns
Ferns are a type of plant that reproduce using spores instead of seeds. They typically have long, thin leaves that grow in a spiral pattern and can range in color from green to brown. There are over 12,000 species of ferns, making them one of the most diverse groups of plants on Earth!
Some common types of ferns include:
-The bird’s nest fern has leaves that curl inward, forming a “nest” shape. This tropical plant is native to Australia and Southeast Asia.
-The maidenhair fern gets its name from its delicate, hair-like leaves. It is often used as an ornamental plant and comes in many different varieties.
-The staghorn fern is an unusual-looking plant with large, flat leaves that resemble the antlers of a stag (male deer).
It is found in humid environments such as rainforests.
Conclusion
Ferns are a type of plant that are often found in New Zealand. They are known for their ability to grow in shady and moist areas, and they can be found in both forests and gardens. Ferns come in many different shapes and sizes, and they can be either evergreen or deciduous.