Stromatopteris moniliformis. A fascinating fern for anyone interested in fern evolution. This is the only species in the genus Stromatopteris, and its relationships were intensely debated. Now classified in the Gleicheniaceae, along with the following genera found in New Zealand: Dicranopteris, Gleichenia, and Sticherus. I saw Stromatopteris only in the maquis vegetation, where it was one of very few ferns present. At the base of the image on the left is a young Dracophyllum. Photo Leon Perrie. © Te Papa.
