Silver fern

Wherever we travelled on our recent holiday we were reminded of the world champion rugby team, the All Blacks. Until their defeat yesterday by England they had been unbeaten for 20 matches. Their logo includes the silver fern which has been adopted by New Zealand as their national symbol and can be seen everywhere from sporting clubs to tourist, government and commercial organisations.

The silver tree fern is found only in New Zealand and amongst the many tree ferns this variety was very noticeable with its silvery underside of the fronds. The Maoris used the fronds as signs with the tips pointing the way as it is fairly visible in the dark especially in moonlight.