Dendroconche scandens
Climbing Shield Fern (Dendroconche scandens), also known as Fragrant Fern, Mokimoki, and formerly classified as Microsorum scandens, is a distinctive climbing fern native to New Zealand and Australia. It features thin stems (2-4mm diameter) that climb up tree trunks and branches, with juvenile fronds that are small and undivided, while adult fronds are larger, thin, and divided with a dull green color. The sori (spore clusters) are dome-like, small, and brownish. This fern is found in lowland and coastal forested regions, including offshore islands like Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. Learn more about New Zealand ferns
Image credit: Climbing Shield Fern (Dendroconche scandens). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Dendroconche scandens |
|---|---|
| Height | Climbing stems up to several meters |
| Spread | Thin stems 2-4mm diameter |
| Water Needs | High humidity, consistent moisture |
| Light | Dappled to deep shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low (protect from frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low (not tolerant of coastal salt) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate climbing growth |
| Lifespan | Perennial, long-lived in suitable forest conditions |
Climbing Shield Fern is native to lowland and coastal forested regions of New Zealand and Australia, including offshore islands like Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. It has also been introduced to South Africa and Zimbabwe. In New Zealand's North Island, it occurs in areas like the Hamilton Ecological District where it grows alongside other ferns such as Icarus filiforme and Lomaria discolor. This fern thrives in humid, sheltered forest environments where it can climb on tree trunks and branches, preferring areas with consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight and drying winds.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Moderate |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Moderate |
| Gisborne | Moderate |
| New Plymouth | Moderate |
| Napier | Challenging |
| Whanganui | Moderate |
| Palmerston North | Moderate |
| Wellington | Moderate |
| Nelson | Challenging |
| Christchurch | Challenging |
| Dunedin | Challenging |
| Invercargill | Challenging |
As a climbing fern, it grows on tree bark and branches rather than soil. For cultivation, it can be mounted on tree fern slabs, cork bark, or specialized epiphyte mounts. The growing medium should provide good attachment and retain some moisture while allowing air circulation.
Requires high humidity and consistent moisture on the host surface. The climbing stems and fronds need regular misting or spraying to maintain humidity levels. In cultivation, ensure the mounting medium stays slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Thrives in dappled shade to deep shade typical of forest environments. Juvenile fronds are particularly sensitive to direct sunlight. Ideal for growing under tree canopies or in shaded areas that mimic its natural forest habitat.
Prefers warm, subtropical to tropical conditions. Tolerates temperatures from 15°C to 30°C, with optimal growth between 20°C and 28°C. This species is sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold conditions, especially in southern regions.
Provides habitat and microhabitat for small invertebrates and other forest organisms. Contributes to the complex ecosystem of epiphytes in New Zealand's forests.
While specific traditional uses of Dendroconche scandens are not widely documented, epiphytic ferns were generally valued by Māori for their ornamental qualities and their role in forest ecosystems. The climbing habit and fragrant nature may have had cultural significance.
Valued as an ornamental plant for specialized fern collections, greenhouses, and botanical gardens. Its climbing habit and distinctive fronds make it popular for epiphyte displays and vertical gardens. It's also used in conservation projects and as an educational specimen.
Begin regular misting as new growth appears. Mount new divisions on suitable substrates. Increase humidity levels as temperatures rise.
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Protect from direct sunlight and drying winds. Monitor for pests in the climbing stems.
Reduce misting frequency as growth slows. Prepare for winter dormancy by ensuring adequate shelter and protection.
Protect from frost and cold winds, especially in southern regions. Move mounted plants to sheltered locations or indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C. Reduce misting during winter dormancy but maintain humidity levels to prevent desiccation.
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed. Trim back overgrown climbing stems to maintain desired shape and size. Pruning is minimal for this fern as it naturally maintains its climbing form through its epiphytic growth habit.
This fern requires mounting on suitable substrates such as tree fern slabs, cork bark, or other porous materials. Ensure the mounting surface provides adequate attachment points for the climbing stems. The substrate should retain moisture while allowing good air circulation.
Collect spores from the small, dome-like, brownish sori on mature fronds and sow on a sterile, moist growing medium. Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures (20-25°C) during germination. This method requires patience as spore-grown plants develop slowly and the juvenile fronds will be small and undivided initially.
Divide mature climbing stems in spring when new growth begins. Carefully separate sections of the thin stems (2-4mm diameter), ensuring each division has healthy fronds and attachment points. Mount immediately on suitable substrates.
This fern can spread naturally as the climbing stems grow and produce new fronds along their length. Sections of established stems can be carefully removed and mounted separately, provided they have developed sufficient attachment points.
Epiphytic ferns like Dendroconche scandens have long been valued in New Zealand's forest ecosystems. Their climbing habit and ability to grow on other plants without harming them has fascinated botanists and nature enthusiasts for generations.
Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally be affected by scale insects or mealybugs that can hide in the climbing stems. Monitor regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
The taxonomic reclassification from Microsorum scandens to Dendroconche scandens reflects ongoing botanical research and our evolving understanding of fern relationships. This fern's ability to climb and grow on other plants without harming them is a remarkable example of epiphytic adaptation.
Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Dendroconche
Species: scandens
Formerly classified as: Microsorum scandens
Common names: Climbing Shield Fern, Fragrant Fern, Mokimoki
Mount on suitable substrates such as tree fern slabs or cork bark. Ensure adequate attachment points and moisture retention while maintaining good air circulation.
High humidity, dappled to deep shade, consistent moisture, and suitable mounting substrate. Protection from frost and drying winds is essential.
Regular misting to maintain humidity, monitoring for pests, and occasional trimming of overgrown stems. Minimal maintenance required once properly established on suitable mounting substrates.
Dendroconche scandens features thin climbing stems (2-4mm diameter) that grow up tree trunks and branches. Juvenile fronds are small and undivided, while adult fronds are larger, thin, and divided with a dull green color. The sori are dome-like, small, and brownish.
Climbing Shield Fern is an important component of New Zealand's epiphytic fern community, growing on tree trunks and branches in lowland and coastal forests. It occurs alongside other ferns such as Icarus filiforme and Lomaria discolor, contributing to the complex ecosystem of epiphytes that provide habitat and food for various forest organisms.
Provides shelter and microhabitat for small invertebrates and other forest organisms. The climbing habit and dense frond growth help maintain humidity levels in the forest understory. The thin stems and fronds create intricate microhabitats for small insects and spiders.
While not currently threatened, this fern is sensitive to habitat loss and climate change. It has been introduced to South Africa and Zimbabwe, showing its adaptability. The taxonomic reclassification from Microsorum scandens to Dendroconche scandens reflects ongoing botanical research. Protecting native forests and maintaining suitable growing conditions is essential for its long-term survival in its natural range.
Ideal for specialized fern collections, greenhouses, and botanical gardens. Creates stunning vertical displays and demonstrates epiphytic fern adaptations. Perfect for educational displays and conservation projects.
Requires humid, sheltered forest environments with consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight and drying winds. Prefers tropical to subtropical conditions with high humidity levels.
While not currently threatened, this fern is sensitive to habitat loss and climate change. Protecting native forests and maintaining suitable growing conditions is essential for its long-term survival in its natural range.
Found in lowland and coastal forested regions of New Zealand and Australia, including offshore islands. Grows on tree trunks and branches in humid, sheltered forest environments.
Dendroconche scandens holds cultural significance as part of New Zealand's fern heritage. Ferns have been important in Māori culture for centuries, with many species having traditional uses and symbolic meanings.
In te reo Māori, ferns like Dendroconche scandens were often referred to by specific names reflecting their appearance and characteristics. The distinctive fronds would have been familiar to early Māori settlers and continue to be valued for their aesthetic and ecological contributions.
The plant's presence in native ecosystems connects it to traditional Māori environmental knowledge and stewardship practices, highlighting the deep connection between indigenous communities and New Zealand's unique flora.
