Identify New Zealand’s common tree ferns: ponga, mamaku, kātote, whekī, and whekī ponga
Skirts, scales, hexagons, and colour. There are many differences you can look out for if you want to learn how to identify tree ferns.Read more
2019-12-20
What is the silver fern?
The silver fern is one of the favoured symbols for a new flag. Aside from being one of New Zealand’s icons, the silver fern is a real plant. But being on a nation’s flag deserves a background check – what is the silver fern? It’s also known as ponga (theRead more
2014-02-02
What’s a punga?
Science curator Leon Perrie explains ‘Punga’ is a quintessential Kiwi word used to refer to tree ferns or sometimes, more specifically, the trunks of tree ferns. Read more
2009-03-06