Overview
silver fern, ponga
Cyathea dealbata occurs throughout the North Island; in the South Island it reaches Dunedin but is absent from the western and southern coasts. It prefers warm and dry areas.
It is easily recognised by the white undersides of its fronds, although this is lacking in young (usually trunkless) plants. Adults can be identified even at a distance by the white tinge of the frond stalks.
Cyathea milnei, which is endemic to New Zealand’s subtropical Kermadec Islands, is similar to C. dealbata.
Traditional uses: The woody fibre of the trunk of silver fern is poisonous, and was used to tip spears (Riley, 1994, Maori Healing and Herbal, Viking Sevenseas). Other parts were used to treat skin problems (Brooker et al., 2002, New Zealand Medicinal Plants, Reed). The trunks are useful building material.