DSC_8101127 Soft tree fern, or katote (Alsophila smithii) smaller than Cyathea medullaris, this slow growing tree fern reaches up to 8m tall, and grows throughout New Zealand. On the subantarctic Auckland Islands it becomes the southern-most tree fern in the world. The fronds often leave a skirt around the slender, fibrous trunk after they have died. Rakaitane Track, Moana *
DSC_4727 Silver tree-fern, or ponga (Alsophila dealbata) forest interior. View looking down from the canopy, to tree fern crowns above the forest floor. This tree fern prefers to grow in sites sheltered from the wind. It grows in well-drained soils, and once established, it will tolerate drier conditions. Otari *
DSC_4731 Silver tree-fern, or ponga (Alsophila dealbata) forest interior. View looking down from the canopy, to tree fern crowns above the forest floor. This tree fern prefers to grow in sites sheltered from the wind. It grows in well-drained soils, and once established, it will tolerate drier conditions. Otari *
