leather-leaf fern
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia (Bory) Hovenkamp
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia, known as leather-leaf fern or ota in Māori, is a climbing fern native to New Zealand. It is found on both the North and South Islands, as well as the Chatham and Kermadec Islands. This species belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and is characterized by thick, fleshy, rounded leaves. It grows on the ground and as an epiphyte.
Description
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia is a climbing fern species native to New Zealand, including the Chatham and Kermadec Islands. It is part of the Polypodiaceae family and is known for its thick, fleshy, rounded leaves. The plant can grow both terrestrially and as an epiphyte. Commonly referred to as the leather-leaf fern or ota in Māori, it is an endemic species to the region. The scientific name was published in 1984.
Other common names
leather-leaf fern
Distribution
Chatham Is. · Kermadec Is. · New Zealand North · New Zealand South
Synonyms
Polypodium eleagnifoliumPolypodium elaeagnifoliumPolypodium rupestre var. sinuatum
