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NZ Plants

Pteris macilenta

Family: Pteridaceae

Pteris macalenta is a terrestrial fern with a short, erect stem. Fronds are oval, leathery and divided with a conspicuous net (joined) venation.

An endemic species found in dry open forest in coastal areas of the North Island to the central South Island.

Vegetative characteristics	Fertile frond and sporangia
Plant form: short erect stems with fronds up to 1.8 m in length	Frond appearance: similar to sterile frond
Frond stalk, midrib: brown, with scales at base; midrib with scales	Sporangium location: on lower frond surface
Frond shape: oval	Sporangium position: leaflet margin
Frond blade: 2-3-pinnate (divided 2-3x into leaflets or pinnae)	Sporangia distribution: in groups (sori)
Frond surface: glossy, leathery,	Sorus shape: linear, continuous
Leaflets: oblong, tapering to a bluntly pointed tip with toothed margins	Sorus covering: inrolled leaflet margin