Umbrella fern (Sticherus cunninghamii)
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta (native to New Zealand.)
Class: Pteridopsida/ Polypodiopsida (disputed)
Order: Gleicheniales
Family: Gleicheniaceae
Species: Sticherus cunninghamii (Gleichenia cunninghamii)
Common name: Umbrella fern, tapuwae kotuku, waekura
This fern has fronds 15 - 30 cm on stipes (stalks) up to 50 cm and is found in lowland to montane forest in dry conditions, common on banks, but usually leached/low fertility soils. Its fronds spread from the top of the stipe like a starfish. Fronds spread and droop like an umbrella. The stipes (stalks) is erect, from 20 - 50 cm high, with pale brown scales and hairs.
Underside of frond
Photos below of young fern spreading its fronds.
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