Polypody fern

Polypody fern is known for its creeping rhizomes, long, divided fronds, and distinctive sori (spore-bearing structures).

Description

• Leaves are leathery and have bright green fronds, cut deeply on both sides of the central rib.

• The spores line the backs of the fronds in double rows of rusty orange clumps (sori). Sori eventually becoming grey at maturity.

• Long creeping, scaley rhizomes.

• Spread through spores dispersed by the wind.

• Habitats include coastal cliffs, road banks, rock gardens, rock bluffs, and under dry scrub or shrubbery.

What you need to know

Polypody fern forms dense, shade-tolerant carpets, hindering the growth of native plants, including herbs and seedlings of larger plants.

Management approach

Polypody fern is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, caused to be released, or otherwise spread.

To help protect our environment:

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Physical control

Dig out

Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations

Chemical control

Foliar spray with 20ml glyphosate plus 2ml penetrant per 1L of water.

Foliar spray with 0.5g metsulfuron-methyl plus 3ml penetrant per 1L of water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.