Back to homepage
Questions? AskAuckland
  

Please select root levels for the menu

NZ Plants

Microsorum novae-zelandiae

Family: Polypodiaceae

Microsorum novae-zealandiae is an epiphyte with a fleshy creeping to climbing stem (rhizome) covered in large, orange-brown scales. Fronds are a dark glossy green, leathery and divided. Formerly Phymatosorus novae-zealandiae.

An endemic species confined to higher elevations on the North Island as an epiphyte in montane forest.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Fertile frond and sporangia

Plant form: erect stem bearing fronds up to 1.2 m

Frond appearance: similar to sterile frond

Frond stalk, midrib: stipe pale brown, sparsely hairy

Sporangium location: lower frond surface

Frond shape: oval

Sporangium position: in one row either side of midrib

Frond blade: pinnate ( divided 1x into leaflets or pinnae)

Sporangia distribution:  in groups (sori)

Frond surface: leathery, glossy

Sorus shape: circular

Leaflets: linear, smooth margins, tapering towards tip

Sorus covering: 0

Share Print Email