Ferns that fed the dinosaurs

Tree ferns are one of the most distinctive features of the Marlborough Sounds landscape.

They have been growing in New Zealand for millions of years, and probably provided a square meal for all kinds of plant-eating dinosaurs.

 

While Mamaku - the black tree fern - is the largest, our best-known tree fern is the silver-leafed Ponga, which serves as a national symbol on a background of black.