Alsophila dealbata (synonyms Alsophila tricolor and Cyathea dealbata), commonly known as the silver fern or silver tree-fern, or as ponga or punga (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand. The fern is usually recognisable by the silver-white colour of the under-surface of mature fronds. It is a symbol commonly associated with the country both overseas and by New Zealanders themselves.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Silver fern being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Cyathea medullaris
- Dicksonia squarrosa
- Cyathea cunninghamii
- Sphaeropteris australis
- Lophosoria quadripinnata
- Dicksonia lanata
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Polypodiopsida
- Order
- Cyatheales
- Family
- Cyatheaceae
- Genus
- Cyathea
- Species
- Cyathea dealbata
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