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 *
DSC_4685 Silver tree-fern, or ponga (Alsophila dealbata) forest interior at night. View looking down from the canopy, to tree fern crowns above the forest floor in moonlight. 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_2811 Mamaku, or Black tree fern (Cyathea medullaris) our tallest tree fern, and one which also grows on Pacific Islands from Fiji to Pitcairn. Trees may be up to 20m tall, with fronds up to 6m long. A common species in lowland forests. Mamaku Plateau *