Pteris macilenta, A. Rich
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