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punga tree fern

The punga tree fern is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and instantly recognisable native plants. Famed for its majestic fronds and textured trunk, the punga tree fern creates lush, green canopy layers in gardens and forests throughout the country. Known botanically as Cyathea dealbata, and often called the silver fern, this tree fern is prized for its ornamental beauty, its cultural significance to Aotearoa, and its ability to bring a lush, subtropical feel to any shady New Zealand landscape.

podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.

From $299.92

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with new foliage emerging lime green. It grows slowly with a columnar shape to about 3 m tall and 2 m wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Podocarpus Maki is commonly included in a mixed planting, trimmed into a hedge, maintained in a container, used for topiary and bonsai, included in pool and Japanese gardens, or planted to border an entrance.

From $205.02

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Albizia, Asplenium, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Jacaranda, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Pear, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Ground Fern, Pear Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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What is a Punga Tree Fern?

The punga tree fern refers most commonly to Cyathea dealbata, a native tree fern endemic to New Zealand. It’s best known for its long, arching fronds with silvery-white undersides—a detail that led to the silver fern becoming a national symbol. Mature punga tree ferns typically reach up to 10 metres tall, forming a rugged, fibrous trunk topped with a dense crown of foliage. As a forest pioneer, the punga thrives in moist, sheltered areas with dappled sun, but it is equally at home in sheltered urban backyards or as a statement feature in subtropical gardens.

Punga Tree Fern Uses in the Garden

Punga tree ferns are an outstanding choice for creating a naturalistic, layered landscape. Their broad fronds provide valuable shade and habitat for native birds and insects, making them a key element in native plant gardens and ecological regeneration projects. Whether used as a solitary specimen or as part of fern collections, the punga’s striking silhouette and green foliage lend drama and structure to shaded corners and underplantings. Their trunks—even after the tree fern has died—are sometimes harvested as "punga slabs" for garden borders, retaining walls, and vertical planting features.

For gardeners looking for other majestic fern species, consider the Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern), which shares a similar form but is slightly smaller and better suited to colder, more damp locations. Those interested in international varieties may enjoy Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern), a robust option with finely divided fronds.

Growing and Caring for Punga Tree Ferns

Punga tree ferns naturally thrive in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. They prefer partial to full shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day. Protecting them from strong winds and harsh sun ensures their fronds remain lush and unblemished. Regular watering—especially in periods of drought—will help prevent dehydration, as punga ferns dislike drying out. Adding organic mulch around the base will improve soil moisture and minimise weeds.

If you’re seeking to introduce the iconic punga into your landscape, the Cyathea dealbata (Punga) is the classic choice, available in various sizes for instant impact.

Explore More Ferns and Fern-Like Plants

For gardeners with a passion for textural, architectural foliage, explore our full collection of tree ferns and complementary plants. The Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers a fine-leaved evergreen option, ideal for hedges and screening, while the Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) provides year-round colour and low-maintenance structure for smaller gardens.

Discover how the punga tree fern and its companions can transform your landscape into a thriving, green retreat echoing New Zealand’s native bush.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Boysenberry 'Tasman', Canna 'Ambassador', and Rhododendron Cunninghams White quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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