Mangemange
Lygodium articulatum
Lygodium articulatum, commonly known as mangemange or Bushman's mattress, is a climbing fern endemic to the North Island forests of New Zealand. It is unique among New Zealand ferns for its vine-like, high-climbing fronds that can form dense, interwoven tangles in the canopy. The plant grows from creeping, hairy rhizomes found on the forest floor. The fronds are glabrous (smooth) and have an indeterminate length, twisting and climbing to the tops of surrounding vegetation. These tough, wiry, and pliant fronds can reach many meters in length.
Plant Description
Lygodium articulatum (mangemange) is a unique climbing fern whose fronds grow indeterminately, twining through shrubs and trees for several metres. Frond segments are articulated (jointed), giving a beaded appearance; fertile segments are narrower with sori beneath.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Lygodium articulatum |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Mangemange, Bushman's mattress |
| Plant Type | Climbing fern |
| Rhizomes | Creeping, hairy |
| Fronds | Glabrous, indeterminate length, tough, wiry, pliant, climbing |
| Pinnae | Sterile (oblong, 40-100 mm long, 5-20 mm wide, rounded apices, smooth margins, bright green above, bluish-green below); Fertile (fan-shaped lobule segments 5-10 mm long) |
| Sporangia | Borne in spikes on margins of lobule segments of fertile pinnae |
| Habitat | North Island forests of New Zealand |
| Height | Indeterminate climbing fronds reaching many meters in length |
| Spread | Climbing and creeping, forms dense tangles in canopy |
| Water Needs | Moderate - prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil |
| Light | Dappled light to light shade, protection from strong winds |
| Frost Tolerance | Low - requires warm, frost-free conditions |
| Salt Tolerance | Low - inland forest species, sensitive to salt spray |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast in ideal conditions |
| Lifespan | Perennial, long-lived climbing fern |
| Uses | Historically used by MԞÂÂori for fastening structures, eel traps, binding material, makeshift beds |
Climate Best Suited to
Warm, frostâ┚¬‘free to very lightâ┚¬‘frost climates with high humidity and shelter. Best in northern coastal districts and mild gullies further south.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Natural Habitat
Coastal to lowland forest margins, scrub and stream gullies of the North Island and northern South Island; climbs through vegetation in humid, sheltered sites.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status
Lygodium articulatum has a conservation status of "Not Threatened" according to the New Zealand Threat Classification System. However, like many forest understory species, it faces ongoing pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation in its native North Island range.
Conservation Challenges
The species' specialized climbing habit and specific habitat requirements make it vulnerable to forest clearance and disturbance. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining North Island forest fragments and encouraging the cultivation of this distinctive species in appropriate garden settings.
How to Grow
Planting Guide
Successful establishment of mangemange requires careful attention to site preparation and soil conditions that mimic its natural forest floor habitat. Plant at the base of supportive framework plants like established coprosma, griselinia, or purpose-built trellis structures in humus-rich, free-draining soil with excellent organic content. The climbing fern thrives in deep, moisture-retentive soil with abundant leaf mould and decomposed organic matter, similar to the forest floor conditions where it naturally occurs. Prepare planting areas by incorporating generous amounts of well-composted bark, leaf mould, and aged organic matter to create the rich, fertile conditions essential for healthy growth. Mulch deeply around plantings with coarse organic materials such as bark chips or aged leaf litter, maintaining a 5-10cm layer that conserves soil moisture while keeping the crown area well-ventilated. Position plants in locations that receive dappled morning light but remain cool and humid throughout the day, avoiding sites with harsh afternoon sun or drying winds. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture during the critical establishment period, typically the first 12-18 months after planting.
Ecology
In its natural forest habitat, mangemange plays a crucial ecological role by providing complex vertical structure and diverse microhabitats for invertebrates, small birds, and epiphytic plants. The dense, interwoven canopy of climbing fronds creates humid refugia that support specialized flora and fauna adapted to these shadowy, moisture-rich environments. The species' unique growth form fills an important niche in New Zealand forests, forming living bridges between ground level and canopy layers that facilitate movement of small forest creatures. Historically, this tough, flexible fern was extensively utilized by Māori communities for weaving fine baskets, creating eel traps, and as binding material for construction projects, demonstrating its significant cultural and practical value. The plant's ability to quickly colonize disturbed forest edges also makes it valuable for natural regeneration and erosion control in appropriate humid, shaded locations.
Uses
Mangemange serves as an evocative native climber for shady courtyards and bush gardens, where its unique vine-like growth creates dramatic vertical interest. This distinctive climbing fern pairs exceptionally well with tree ferns and nikau palms, recreating authentic New Zealand forest understory conditions. In contemporary landscaping, mangemange provides an excellent solution for covering unsightly structures, creating privacy screens, or adding textural contrast to established plantings. The species works particularly well when allowed to scramble through shrubby framework plants like coprosma or griselinia, where its twining fronds can display their natural climbing behavior while being supported by the host vegetation.
Landscaping Ideas
Train mangemange through established Coprosma and Griselinia frameworks to create naturalistic climbing displays that showcase the twining fronds without overwhelming support structures. Alternatively, use discreet stainless steel wires or mesh panels to guide growth while maintaining the fern's organic appearance. Consider positioning mangemange near water features or in humid microclimates where it can benefit from increased moisture levels. The species works beautifully as an understory climber in established tree fern groves, where it can scramble naturally through the canopy. For smaller spaces, container cultivation with bamboo supports or trellis systems allows control over growth while maintaining the plant's distinctive climbing character. Complement mangemange with other shade-loving natives like astelia, native orchids, and moss-covered logs to create authentic forest floor compositions.
Seasonal Care
Winter
During winter months, mangemange enters a slower growth phase and requires adjusted care to maintain health through cooler conditions. Protect plants from hard frosts with cloth covers or strategic positioning near larger plants that provide thermal protection, as severe frosts can damage tender growing tips and set back spring growth. Reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogged soil conditions, but maintain consistent soil moisture around the crown area where new growth originates. Winter is an excellent time for light maintenance pruning, removing any damaged or dead fronds, and checking support structures for wind damage. Refresh organic mulch layers during winter to provide insulation and gradually release nutrients as decomposition continues. Monitor for pest activity, particularly scale insects that may be more problematic during the plant's dormant phase.
Spring
Spring signals the beginning of active growth for mangemange, making it the ideal time for major care activities. Resume regular watering schedules as temperatures warm and daylight increases, ensuring consistent soil moisture to support emerging fronds. Apply balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release formulations to provide nutrients for the upcoming growing season. Check and adjust support structures before vigorous spring growth begins, ensuring climbing frames are secure and positioned optimally. This is the preferred season for division and propagation activities, when plants have maximum energy reserves for establishing new growth. Increase humidity around plants through misting or placement of water features to recreate ideal growing conditions.
Summer
Summer care focuses on maintaining optimal growing conditions during the warmest months when mangemange produces its most vigorous growth. Ensure consistent soil moisture through regular watering, particularly during hot, dry periods that can quickly stress the moisture-loving fern. Maintain high humidity levels through regular misting of foliage and surrounding areas, avoiding water stress that leads to poor growth and susceptibility to pests. Monitor climbing growth and guide fronds onto support structures as needed, preventing tangling and ensuring even light distribution. Watch carefully for pest activity, including scale insects and mealybugs that thrive in warm conditions, treating promptly with appropriate organic controls.
Autumn
Autumn preparation involves readying mangemange for cooler months while taking advantage of favorable growing conditions for establishment activities. Continue regular watering but begin reducing frequency as growth slows and evaporation rates decrease. This is an excellent time for planting new specimens, as moderate temperatures and typically higher rainfall provide ideal establishment conditions. Collect ripe spores for propagation if desired, as autumn often produces the most viable reproductive material. Begin gradual reduction of fertilizer applications to help plants prepare for winter dormancy, avoiding late-season soft growth that may be frost-sensitive.
Pruning
Effective pruning of mangemange requires understanding the plant's unique growth habit and the delicate nature of its articulated fronds. Tip-prune actively growing fronds to control overall length and encourage branching at the joints, creating a fuller, more manageable climbing display. However, avoid removing all active growing tips simultaneously, as this can severely stress the plant and inhibit its natural climbing behavior. The best approach involves selective pruning of the longest fronds while leaving several active growing points to maintain the plant's vigor and climbing momentum. Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make precise cuts at the natural joints between frond segments, minimizing damage to the remaining plant structure. Pruning is most effectively performed during the growing season when the plant can quickly respond with new growth, typically from spring through early autumn. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead fronds at any time of year, cutting back to healthy tissue or the crown if necessary. When training mangemange on support structures, gentle guiding and positioning is preferable to heavy pruning, allowing the plant to maintain its natural grace while directing growth in desired directions. Regular light pruning encourages the development of multiple climbing shoots, creating a more substantial and attractive display over time.
How to Grow Mangemange
Mangemange grows best when you match its natural habitat: prepare well”‘drained soil, get the light right, water steadily, and protect from extremes during establishment. Dig wide planting holes, set the crown at original depth, water to settle, and mulch with coarse organic matter to conserve moisture while keeping the stem base dry. Feed lightly in spring; heavy nitrogen is unnecessary and can weaken growth.
Seed
Sow fresh, viable seed on a free”‘draining mix, cover lightly with fine grit, and keep evenly moist in bright light out of harsh sun. Germination timing varies; prick out once roots hold the media and harden off gradually.
Division
Where the species permits, divide robust clumps in early spring as new growth begins. Replant divisions with several shoots into fresh mix, water thoroughly, and maintain steady moisture until re”‘established.
Cuttings
For shrubs and many perennials, strike semi”‘hardwood cuttings in late spring to summer in a coarse, free”‘draining propagation mix under gentle bottom heat and high humidity. Reduce leaf area, ventilate progressively as roots develop, and pot on before planting out.
After”‘care
Maintain an open mulch, irrigate during drought in the first season, and prune or tidy according to the species to build a resilient framework. Adjust shade, wind exposure and watering to prevent stress, and refresh mulch annually for long”‘term performance.
Pests and Diseases
While generally robust when grown in appropriate conditions, mangemange can be susceptible to several common issues that gardeners should monitor and address promptly. Snails and slugs pose the most significant pest threat, particularly to tender new frond segments and emerging growth points. These mollusks are especially problematic during damp conditions and can cause severe damage by eating through the delicate frond tissue, leaving characteristic ragged holes and damaged edges. Control measures include deploying beer traps, copper barriers, or organic slug pellets around plantings, while encouraging natural predators like ground beetles and birds through habitat creation. Dry air represents one of the most common environmental stresses for mangemange, leading to characteristic browning of frond tips and edges as the moisture-loving plant struggles with low humidity conditions. Raise humidity levels through regular misting, placement of water features nearby, or grouping plants together to create beneficial microclimates. Scale insects can occasionally infest mangemange, appearing as small brown or white bumps on fronds and stems that weaken the plant by sucking sap. Treat scale infestations promptly with horticultural oil sprays or systemic organic insecticides, ensuring thorough coverage of affected areas. Fungal issues may develop in poorly ventilated, overly moist conditions, typically manifesting as brown or black spots on fronds. Improve air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering during cool, humid periods to prevent fungal diseases from establishing.
Cultural Significance
Mangemange holds significant cultural importance for MԞÂÂori, who traditionally used this versatile climbing fern for various practical purposes. The strong, flexible fronds were particularly valued for their binding and construction applications.
The tough, pliant fronds were traditionally used for fastening structures, creating eel traps (hinaki), and as general binding material due to their strength and flexibility. The dense, interwoven growth habit also made the species useful as makeshift bedding material in the forest, hence the common name "Bushman's mattress."
Beyond practical uses, Lygodium articulatum represents an important part of New Zealand's unique botanical heritage. Its distinctive climbing growth form, unusual among New Zealand's native ferns, makes it a significant species for understanding the diversity and evolution of the country's endemic flora.
Bonus Tip
Thread fronds through a loose wire grid early; avoid forcing older fronds which can snap at the joints.
Related Plants
Discover other native New Zealand plants that share similar growing conditions and complement the natural beauty of Lygodium articulatum in your garden design.
