New Zealand Tree Fern

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New Zealand Tree Fern (Wheki)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Pteridophyta Class: Pteridopsida Order: Cyatheales Family: Dicksoniaceae Genus: Dicksonia Species: D. squarrosa
Binomial name
Dicksonia squarrosa (G.Forst.) Sw.

The New Zealand Tree Fern, or Wheki in Maori, (Dicksonia squarrosa) is a medium-sized tree fern with a tall, slender brown trunk.

This fern produces few fronds, all of which sprout in almost horizontal fashion. The fronds reach 1.5 – 3 m in length, much smaller than Cyathea varieties, and are quite crisp to touch. They form a small "umbrella" on top of the trunk. It has a fast growth rate of up to 10 cm (5 in) a year, growing up to 6 m tall.

They are sometimes found sprouting from apparently dead pieces of trunk. The trunks are often used for fencing or edging and fronds will sometimes sprout from the side if top is dead.

The New Zealand Tree Fern is quite hardy and tolerant to sun and some wind, but is best suited to a site with partial shade and minimal wind. It will tolerate some exposure to the elements – but can look quite scruffy in such a situation. Some protection should be considered over the winter months in climates with temperatures below 4-5 C, e.g. shadecloth cover or straw packed in the crown. The fronds are small and compact, making this fern an ideal container or garden plant where space is limited.

Also known as Wheki in Maori, Dicksonia squarrosa is very common and native to New Zealand. Other common names include the Rough Tree Fern and the Brown Tree Fern.