T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network

Prickly Sheild fern (Polystichum vestitum)

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta
Class: Pteridopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Genus: Polystichum 
Species: Polystichum vestitum
Common name: Prickly Sheild fern, Puniu

The Prickly Sheild fern is a native ground fern with dark green fronds and brown scales covering its distinctive stipes. It varies in height from 30 to 100cm. It is one of the larger ground ferns that bulks up over time.





Topside of frond


Underside of frond


Underside with ripe sori


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