Native plants
Kiokio
Scientific name: Blechnum novae-zelandiae
English name: palm-leaf fern, gully fern
Other names: Blechnum capense
Pioneer
Fern
- native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, shade, partial shade, sunny, shelter, exposure, coastal forest garden, wetlands and water features
About Kiokio
The beautiful Kiokio is hardy species of fern. They are often be found growing in clay soil, on the sides of track cuttings and streams with its long cascading fronds, up to 2m long and 50cm wide with a tough texture. The fronds have a bright pinkish or red colouration when fresh, and turn lime green to dark green as they mature, making this a beautiful fern to have in every garden with water feature or in damp situations. The fertile fronds with spores turn black making an interesting contrast againt the green. These might look like dead fronds, but are fully alive! Can be usefd for erosion control on banks as has a good root system and is fast growing. Also wind tolerant.
Provides for lizards
- Ground cover for retreat
Read more about gardening for lizards.