Story: Forest succession and regeneration

Bracken fern, Wellington coast

Bracken fern, Wellington coast

Bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum) is an early colonist of previously forested sites. This bracken-covered site originally carried low coastal forest. Bracken became abundant in New Zealand after Māori cleared much of the forest by fire. They used bracken rhizomes as food.

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Photograph by Alastair McLean

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Forest succession and regeneration - Forest growth after fire', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11903/bracken-fern-wellington-coast (accessed 29 April 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007