Maori planted Para very close to their settlements so that they could have easy access to them. The cooked bracts (horseshoe), taste like potato, so Para was given another common name – ‘Potato fern’.
Para, Paratawhiti, Uwhipara
King Fern – Marattia salicina
Apart from the tree ferns, Para is the largest fern in New Zealand with fronds over four metres in length and over 2 metres wide. Once common and thriving in the forests north of Taranaki, it is now only found in hidden gullies in the bush, or in the sandy soil in pine forests. The reason for this is from the impact of wild game, especially wild pigs as the enjoy eating Para, and still do, even animal stock will nibble at the plant. It is a spectacular fern and is available in some plant nurseries. Fortunately it can be seen growing in larger gardens as it is now being widely cultivated.