Pteris macilenta, A. Rich

– Page 15, Pteris macilenta –

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– Pteris macilenta, A. Rich –

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– Distribution of P. macilenta –

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Ferns Species:

Family:

Common Name:

Status:

Size:

Pteris macilenta

Pteridaceae

Sweet Brake

Non Threatened

Fronds 35cm - 140cm long

Habitat:

Common in the north in open forest. Native only to New Zealand.

Description:

A tufted ground fern, whose stems are yellow-brown and fronds are delicate and thin. Also known as sweet fern, this is a delicate plant whose common name appears somewhat of a mystery, as it neither tastes or smells particularly sweet.

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) p48