The silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) has
come to embody the spirit of New Zealand
. According to Māori legend, the silver fern once lived in the sea. It was asked to come and live in the forest to play a significant role in guiding the Māori people.
What is a silver fern called?
Alsophila dealbata, synonym Cyathea dealbata
, commonly known as the silver fern or silver tree-fern, or as ponga /ˈpɒŋə/ or punga /ˈpʌŋə/ (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand.
What does silver fern symbolize?
As Sir Tipene O’Regan once reminded me, to Maori, the silver fern denotes
strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power
, encapsulated in a natural form of native elegance. Maori have always honoured the fern, giving it a pride of place.
Where do Silver Ferns originate?
The ‘silver fern’ Cyathea dealbata – ponga in te reo Māori – is a species of tree fern only found in
New Zealand
. Although they are called ‘silver ferns’, the undersides of the fronds are usually white; only in some northern populations are they actually ‘silver’.
What is a silver fern leaf?
The silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) is a remarkable species of tree fern that displays a
narrow brown trunk and elegant green leaves with shimmering silver undersides
. The silver fern is endemic to New Zealand, occurring naturally nowhere else in the world.
How long do ferns live for?
Lifespan of fern depends on the species. Some types of ferns can live
up to 100 years
.
Is silver fern poisonous?
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).
What is silver fern used for?
Silver ferns flourish under teatree (manuka/kanuka) and other scrubs in the northern lowlands. Traditional uses of ponga included as building material,
treating skin problems
, marking tracks for night-time use, and the trunk’s woody fibre was used to make poisonous spear tips.
What does the fern symbolize?
Fern Symbolism
The fern symbolizes
eternal youth
. To the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, the fern represented new life and new beginnings. To the Japanese, the fern symbolizes family and the hope for future generations. According to Victorians, the fern symbolized humility and sincerity.
How do you take care of Silver Ferns?
The Silver Ribbon Fern thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it will scorch the leaves.
Water when the top 25% of the soil is dry
. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.
What is New Zealand’s national animal?
The kiwi
is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.
How long does it take for a silver fern to grow?
| Dimensions 2x112x155 mm | Seed Depth Do Not Cover | Seed Spacing | Plant Spacing | Harvest/Flower/Maturity Time 10m |
|---|
How many games have the Silver Ferns won?
The Silver Ferns have won the
World Cup five times
(in 1967, 1979, 1987, 2003 and 2019), and have won the netball gold medal at the Commonwealth Games twice (in 2006 and 2010). The Silver Ferns are administered by Netball New Zealand, the national governing body for netball in the country.
What is the meaning of Koru?
The koru, which is often used in Māori art as a symbol of creation, is based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond. Its circular shape
conveys the idea of perpetual movement
, and its inward coil suggests a return to the point of origin.
What is the New Zealand symbol?
The flightless native bird,
the kiwi
, represents New Zealand, but it has no official status as a symbol. New Zealand does not have an official national flower, but the silver fern (Cyathea dealbata), which appears on army insignia and sporting team uniforms, is an unofficial national emblem.
How big do Silver Lady ferns grow?
A fast growing fern, the Silver Lady Fern (Blechnum gibbum) has vibrant green fronds that arch up with its tips pointing down. Also known as a Dwarf Tree Fern, this delicate looking fern will develop a slender trunk as it grows to
around 1 m in height
.
