About Lecanopteris scandens (G.Forst.) Perrie & Brownsey
This fern species has the accepted scientific name Lecanopteris scandens (G.Forst.) Perrie & Brownsey, and is also known by the synonyms Dendroconche scandens and Microsorum scandens. It is commonly called mokimoki, or fragrant fern, and is a member of the fern family Polypodiaceae. This species is native to parts of New Zealand, Australia, and several offshore islands: Chatham Island, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. It has been introduced to South Africa and Zimbabwe. On New Zealand's North Island, one confirmed location is the Hamilton Ecological District, where it grows alongside other fern species including Icarus filiforme and Lomaria discolor. It typically grows in lowland and coastal forested areas. It is a climbing fern with thin stems that measure 2–4 mm in diameter. Juvenile fronds are small and undivided, while adult fronds are larger, thin, divided, and dull green in colour. Its spore clusters, called sori, are small, dome-shaped, and brownish. It was traditionally used to mask unpleasant odours.
