Tuber ladder fern

Tuber ladder fern is an invasive, fast-growing fern that is similar to a native ladder fern.

Description

• Terrestrial or epiphytic (growing on the surface of another plant).

• Fronds are 100x7cm, erect but droop when long, with serrated leaflets.

• Rhizomes and stolons are erect to spreading, producing long runners that have hairy potato-like tubers.

• Vegetative spread from tubers.

• Habitats include terrestrial, epiphytic or epilithic habitats, forests, rocky outcrops, coastal scrublands, wetland and riparian margins, roadsides, wasteland, and urban areas.

What you need to know

Tuber ladder fern forms dense stands, suppressing native regeneration.

Management approach

Tuber ladder 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, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of tuber ladder fern yourself. Report any sightings to us.