Punui

Punui

Polystichum novae-zelandiae

Prickly shield fern 

LOCATION: Endemic and found throughout New Zealand. Prefers exposed habitats, such as forest margins, gulley floors and tussock grasslands, but it also commonly extends into forest in colder, wetter parts of New Zealand (NZPCN).

DESCRIPTION: Frond is coarse to the touch and dense orange-born scales can be observed on stem. Forms a small trunk and is noted for its strong flush of new fronds in the spring.