Classification
Class
Polypodiopsida
Subclass
Polypodiidae
Order
Polypodiales Link
Family
Pteridaceae E.D.M.Kirchn.
Genus
Pteris L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Pteris pacifica Hieron., Hedwigia 55: 355 (1914)
Synonymy:
Lectotype (selected by Field 2020): Von den Bergen bei Naloka, Fiji, Kleinschmidt 36, Dec. 1877, B 200097772 (!online)
Etymology:
Pacifica (Latin) – from the Pacific region where this species was first collected.
Vernacular Name(s):
comb brake
 Recognition

In New Zealand, Pteris pacifica has an erect or short-creeping, scaly rhizome; rhizome scales narrowly ovate, with dark centres and pale erose margins. Fronds 200–760 mm long. Stipes yellow-brown to chestnut-brown, 160–310 mm long; rachises not winged. Laminae mostly 1‑pinnate-pinnatifid but 1-pinnate-bipinnatifid at base and abruptly narrowed to a pinnatifid terminal segment, ovate or elliptic, 210–460 mm long, 80–200 mm wide. Primary pinnae in 5–6 pairs; longest primary pinnae 60–200 mm long, stalked, divided almost to the midrib into secondary segments of ± uniform length, shortening only towards the apices; adaxial surface with spine-like growths on the costae; basal primary pinnae with 1–2 elongated pinnatifid segments up to 100 mm long on the basiscopic side; ultimate segments up to 15 mm long and 3 mm wide, margins entire, apices obtuse. Veins free. Sori continuous along sides of ultimate segments.

 Distribution

North Island: Auckland

Altitudinal range: 20–40 m.

Recorded only in parts of Auckland city.

Occurs naturally in Malesia, Australia (Queensland), Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Pteris pacifica distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2020 CC BY 4.0
Pteris pacifica distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2020 CC BY 4.0
 Habitat

Recorded as occurring spontaneously in urban gardens.

 Biostatus
Exotic
 First Record

Heenan et al. (2002). Voucher AK 205931, 1991.

 Images
Pteris pacifica. Close up of WELT P022086, showing basal primary pinna with a single, basiscopic, pinnatifid, secondary pinna. Image: B. Hatton © Te Papa CC BY-NC 3.0 NZ
Pteris pacifica. Close up of WELT P022086, showing basal primary pinna with a single, basiscopic, pinnatifid, secondary pinna. Image: B. Hatton © Te Papa CC BY-NC 3.0 NZ
 Bibliography
Brownsey, P.J.; Perrie, L.R. 2021: Pteridaceae. In: Breitwieser, I. (ed.) Flora of New Zealand — Ferns and Lycophytes. Fascicle 30. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Field, A.R. 2020: Classification and typification of Australian lycophytes and ferns based on Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification PPG 1. Australian Systematic Botany 33: 1–102.
Heenan, P.B.; de Lange, P.J.; Cameron, E.K.; Champion, P.D. 2002: Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes naturalised or casual in New Zealand: additional records 1999–2000. New Zealand Journal of Botany 40(2): 155–174.
Hieronymus, G. 1914: Über Pteris quadriaurita Retz. und einige asiatische, malesische und polynesische Arten aus der Gruppe und Verwandschaft dieser Art. Hedwigia 55: 325–375.