Silver fern

Alsophila tricolor, synonym Cyathea dealbata, commonly known as the silver fern or silver tree-fern, or as ponga /ˈpɒŋə/ or punga /ˈpʌŋə/ (from Māori kaponga or ponga), is a species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand. The fern is usually recognisable by the silver-white colour of the under-surface of mature fronds. It is a symbol commonly associated with the country both overseas and by New Zealanders themselves.

Silver fern
Frond, showing silver underside
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Species:
A. tricolor
Binomial name
Alsophila tricolor
(Colenso) R.M.Tryon
Synonyms
  • Cyathea dealbata (G.Forst.) Sw.
  • Cyathea falciloba (Colenso) Domin
  • Cyathea tricolor Colenso
  • Hemitelia falciloba Colenso
  • Polypodium dealbatum G.Forst.

Alsophila tricolor is the correct name for Cyathea dealbata in Alsophila because the epithet dealbata is preoccupied by Alsophila dealbata C.Presl (now a synonym of Sphaeropteris glauca).

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