2011 Icons of New Zealand

Native to New Zealand, the silver fern (Cyathea Dealbata) is so-called for its striking silver underside. It is also known as ponga or kaponga, and appears in a number of Maori stories where the silver aspect of the fern is used to mark a trail. The silver fern has long been prevalent throughout the country – so much so that in the 1800s New Zealand was referred to colloquially as 'Fernland'. Today the silver fern is a national symbol of New Zealand and is worn as an emblem by almost all New Zealand sports teams.