Crown Fern (Blechnum discolor)
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta
Class: Pteridopsida
Order: Athyriales
Family: Blechnaceae
Genus: Blechnum L
Species: B. discolor
Binomial name: Blechnum discolor
Common name: Crown Fern, Sword fern. Piuoiu, Petipeti
Blechnum discolor is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. This species is endemic to New Zealand; this species is found in dry lowland forests and is sometimes a dominant under story component. It forms extensive colonies under lepterspernim scrub and beech trees. It often form woody trunks up to 30cm tall. It develops sterile and fertile fishbone shaped fronds which are longer and stand erect in the centre develop in winter.
Top surface of a frond
Under surface of a frond
A Blechnum discolor which has developed a short trunk.
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