puhinui
about.
Adiantum cunninghamii | puhinui, common maidenhair, Cunningham’s maidenhair
A widely creeping fern of coastal and lowland forest, often found on banks, cliffs, and boulders. Its fine dark stipes and smooth, oblong leaflets create graceful fronds that are deep green above and blue-green beneath. Once established, it spreads readily to form soft, airy cover. Well suited to shaded, moist conditions, it will thrive where there is shelter and space for its rhizomes to wander. A resilient ground fern that brings a delicate texture to forest gardens, shaded rockeries, or damp embankments.
typical habitat.
coastal forest
lowland forest
montane forest
drainage.
moist
well drained
sun.
full shade
mature specifications.
height | 30cm
width | 40cm
did you know?
Dense fern patches can act as natural nurseries. Their fine, overlapping fronds trap moisture and organic matter, creating cool, sheltered pockets where insects, fungi, and the seedlings of other forest plants can establish. On shaded banks and rock faces, these mats also help reduce erosion while supporting the next stages of forest regeneration.