Schizaea_australis_6693

The comb ferns, Schizaea, are very odd looking ferns, but easily overlooked. This one is southern comb fern, Schizaea australis, from near Charleston. Schizaea fistulosa, is similar but taller/longer, and occurs in lower-altitude/more-northern areas. The two can be difficult to distinguish, especially in the northern South Island. Photo Leon Perrie. © Te Papa.Read more