Parablechnum novae-zelandiae

Parablechnum novae-zelandiae, synonym Blechnum novae-zelandiae,[1] commonly known as palm-leaf fern or kiokio, is a species of fern found in New Zealand. It can often be found growing in clay soil on embankments and roadsides.

Parablechnum novae-zelandiae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Aspleniineae
Family: Blechnaceae
Genus: Parablechnum
Species:
P. novae-zelandiae
Binomial name
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae
(T.C.Chambers & P.A.Farrant) Gasper & Salino[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Blechnum novae-zelandiae T.C.Chambers & P.A.Farrant

P. novae-zelandiae has long fronds that grow up to 2 metres long by 50 cm wide. They are pink when new and as they age they turn green and darken.[2]

Kiokio is edible. Its steamed leaves were relied on by Māori travellers in bush regions.[3]

References

edit
  1. 1 2 3 Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (November 2019). "Parablechnum novae-zelandiae". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. 8.11. Retrieved 2019-12-25.
  2. "Kiokio Fern (Blechnum novae-zelandiae)". Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
  3. Low, Nic (2021). Uprising. The Text Publishing Company. p. 115.