Story: Weeds of agriculture

Bracken fern

Bracken fern

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is the nearest thing to a weed that early Māori had to contend with. Although they harvested the root in late winter for food, the invasion of bracken fern into their cropping land forced them to clear new areas every two or three years.

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Photograph by Iona Wassilieff

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How to cite this page:

Ian Popay, 'Weeds of agriculture - Introduction of weeds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16496/bracken-fern (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Ian Popay, published 24 Nov 2008