pānako
1. (noun) thread fern, Blechnum filiforme - native creeping and climbing fern. Ground fronds very small with roundish leaflets. Larger, climbing ones have very long, pointed leaflets. Graceful fronds with thread-like leaflets bear the spores. Occurs throughout Te Ika-a-Māui and northern South Island.
2. (noun) shore spleenwort, Asplenium obtusatum - a native coastal fern confined in the northern part of its range to only the most exposed situations. Further south it grows not only on exposed cliffs but also in coastal vegetation where it often forms an important association with Hebe elliptica and Blechnum durum. Frequently associated with sea bird colonies. Rhizome stout, often forming a hard woody mass above ground, bearing brown, shiny, ovate, acuminate scales. Has thich fleshy fronds.
