Mamaku

Mamaku

Cyathea medullaris 

Black Tree Fern

LOCATION: Common in lowland forests of the North Island, and also found in frost-free areas of the South Island.

DESCRIPTION: Mamaku, the largest of New Zealand’s tree ferns, can grow up to 20 metres tall and has distinctive black frond stalks and hexagonal trunk scars, formed when its fronds fall.

USES: Frond can be eaten, and many different medicinal uses have been recorded.