Family: Aspleniaceae
Region: New Zealand, South Island, occasionally on the North Island in
Habitat: in rocky areas, crevices, cliffs, often in montane to subalpine zones; cooler, high-altitude regions; prefers shaded or semi-shaded environments with moist, well-drained soils.
Ecology: stabilizing soil; provides shelter for small invertebrates; promotes integrity of montane ecosystems.
Use: ornamental occasionally.

BotanyFern; small to medium-sized; perennial; forms clumps of erect or arching fronds.
Roots: fibrous.
Rhizome: compact; short-creeping; with dark brown or blackish scales.
Leaves: 20 to 40 cm long; lanceolate; with a delicate, pinnate structure; leaflets are linear to oblong, spaced alternately along the rachis; bright green; leathery.
Sori: on the underside of the fronds; characteristic linear patterns along the veins; protected by thin indusia.