Dicksonia fibrosa explained

Dicksonia fibrosa, the golden tree fern, whekī-ponga or kuripaka (in Māori) is a species of medium-sized tree fern native to New Zealand.

D. fibrosa has a thick, soft and fibrous rusty brown trunk. It holds on to its dead leaves producing a distinctive pale brown skirt, distinguishing it from the related Dicksonia squarrosa.[1] A slow-growing plant, similar to Dicksonia antarctica,[2] D. fibrosa can reach a height of 6m (20feet). It requires winter protection in any area that is subject to winter frosts. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]

Distribution

D. fibrosa can be found in the South Island, Stewart and Chatham Islands; also in the North Island, but is uncommon north of the Waikato River and Coromandel Peninsula.[5]

Human Use

Slabs cut from the thick stem of the whekī-ponga, alongside D. squarrosa, were used by Māori over 150 years ago in constructing the outside of houses, or lining underground storage spaces.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Andrew Crowe. A Guide to the Identification of New Zealand Native Ferns. 1997. 11. Penguin Books. Auckland, New Zealand.
  2. Web site: Dicksonia antarctica comparison.
  3. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Dicksonia fibrosa. 27 May 2020.
  4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 29 . Royal Horticultural Society . 6 February 2018.
  5. Web site: Dicksonia fibrosa details. nzpcn.org.nz. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. 26 May 2015.
  6. Web site: Dicksonia fibrosa. Whekī-ponga. Tree fern.. rauropiwhakaoranga.landcareresearch.co.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. 14 February 2023.