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Story: Ferns and lycophytes

Silver fern koru

Silver fern koru

Most fern fronds develop from a tightly coiled spiral known as a fiddlehead, crozier or koru. As each frond develops, it gradually unfurls from the spiral. The silver fern koru is often adopted as a design motif.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Melanie Lovell-Smith

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Patrick Brownsey, Ferns and lycophytes – Land of ferns, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10852/silver-fern-koru (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Patrick Brownsey, published 1 March 2009.

Comments

Harriet
30 May 2018
Hi Jan, we are happy to supply a higher resolution copy if you get permission from Melanie. A better way to contact her is through the PHANZA webpage: http://phanza.org.nz/profile/Melanie%20Lovell-Smith/. Thanks.
Jan Church
15 March 2018
Hi, I am writing to ask if we can use the image 'Silver Fern Koru' photographed by Melanie Lovell-Smith on an outside cultural display at my school. I have written to the photographer via Linked but haven't heard back as yet. We are creating a series of multicultural displays to represent our diverse school community. They would each be on a panel of a building. A local Maori expert recommended this photo (or something similar) as it could represent the growing minds in our school surrounded by supportive teachers and community. This photo would be perfect for our needs and is very appealing. I cannot find another that is suitable. Thanks Jan