Waitakere Ranges Regional Park - Part 3

Here we are again with the 3rd and final instalment of our trip through Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. In the 2 previous articles we looked at the tree ferns in particular and although there is still plenty of tree fern activity, this time we take a closer look at some of the ground ferns and epiphytic ferns too.

Starting with this species below - Lygodium articulatum. This has to be one of the most unusual looking of the NZ species. When I first saw it I couldn't believe it was a fern atall due to its appearance and 'ivy-like' habit of creeping up bushes. Only a close inspection allows you to see the forking pattern of the fronds.

Below, Trichomanes reniforme is one of my favourite ferns in the forest. This picture doesn't exactly highlight its beauty but it does show its unique shape. More aesthetically pleasing pictures of this species later!

Microsorum scandens - This epiphytic fern is extremely common in the moister, shadier parts of the forest where is grows on tree fern trunks and just about anywhere else it can get a foothold. Mature colonies can completely engulf an entire tree fern trunk!

Anarthropteris lanceolata - The bright green glossy fronds of this little epiphyte can be quite distinctive in the darkness of the understorey. This is another species which can rapidly spread over its host.