Lomaria filiformis, A. Cunn
Ferns Species:
Family:
Common Name:
Status:
Size:
Blechnum filiforme
Blechnaceae
Thread fern, Climbing hard fern
Non Threatened
Fronds 6-70cm long
Habitat:
Native only to New Zealand it is common in forests.
Description:
A confusing fern because of its three quite different types of fronds - a feature that makes it unique among New Zealand ferns. It is a creeping and climbing fern with graceful fronds with thread like leaflets. Ground fronds tend to be very small with roundish leaflets. Larger climbing specimens have very long pointed leaflets. Its common name refers to the attractive wispy thread like leaflets seen growing on the trunks of trees. The Rhizomes of this fern are used as the main active ingredient to an American proprietry drug used to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Distribution:
Found on North Island and in the very northern part of South Island up to a height of 500m. See distribution map (bottom right).
Bibliography:
Andrew Crowe, Which Native Fern: a simple guide to the identification of New Zealand Native Ferns (Penguin Books (NZ) Ltd 1994) p26