About Tmesipteris tannensis (Spreng.) Bernh.
Tmesipteris tannensis (Spreng.) Bernh. is a fern ally that is endemic to New Zealand. Most often it grows as an epiphyte on trees and tree ferns, but it may occasionally grow in terrestrial habitats. One documented occurrence of T. tannensis within a layered plant community is found in Central Westland on New Zealand's South Island. The forests in this region are the most extensive continuous podocarp/broadleaf forests in New Zealand. The forest overstory contains miro, rimu, and mountain tōtara. Tree ferns including Cyathea smithii and Dicksonia squarrosa make up the forest mid-story. T. tannensis grows alongside Asplenium polyodon, Astelia solandri, and Blechnum discolor in the forest's lowest tier and as part of its epiphytic community.
