Kōrero: Ferns and lycophytes

The graceful mamaku or black tree fern (Cyathea medullaris) grows up to 20 metres tall. It has distinctive black frond stalks and hexagonal trunk scars, formed when its fronds fall. In New Zealand it is common in lowland forests of the North Island, but in the South Island is restricted to frost-free areas. It is also found on some Pacific islands.