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NZ Plants


Pteris macilenta

Family: Pteridaceae


Pteris macalenta is a terrestrial fern with a short, erect stem. Fronds are oval, leathery and divided with a conspicuous net (joined) venation.

An endemic species found in dry open forest in coastal areas of the North Island to the central South Island.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Fertile frond and sporangia

Plant form: short erect stems with fronds up to 1.8 m in length

Frond appearance: similar to sterile frond

Frond stalk, midrib: brown, with scales at base; midrib with scales

Sporangium location: on lower frond surface

Frond shape: oval

Sporangium position: leaflet margin

Frond blade: 2-3-pinnate (divided 2-3x into leaflets or pinnae)

Sporangia distribution: in groups (sori)

Frond surface: glossy, leathery,

Sorus shape: linear, continuous

Leaflets: oblong, tapering to  a bluntly pointed tip with toothed margins

Sorus covering: inrolled leaflet margin