Fragrant Ferns - Microsorium diversifolium and scandens - are another very easily identified New Zealand fern.

The hand-like fronds, which are leathery and deeply indented, grow from a long creeping rhizome that grows mainly on the trunks and branches of trees.

The spore-bearing frond is a similar shape but with much narrower "fingers", and it carries the sori, which are often reddish in color, on the lighter green reverse side of the frond.

Found on trees, banks and the forest floor, common in most parts of the country, except in the east coast of the South Island. It is absent altogether from Stewart island.