rarauhe
Pteridium esculentum | rarauhe, bracken fern
A fern with a robust, long-creeping underground rhizome that allows it to spread extensively. Large, fronds rise on stiff, woody stems, with leathery leaflets that curl downward at the margins, giving the plant a coarse, distinctive form. Extremely hardy and tolerant of full sun, it establishes readily on disturbed or open ground. Due to its vigorous, spreading habit, it is best confined to large-scale revegetation or restoration projects, where its ability to stabilise soil can be beneficial, but where its invasive potential can be appropriately managed.