Home > Categories > Books > Reference > The Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns review

Did you know... that the Heruheru Prince of Wales Feathers Fern (New Zealand's most beautiful fern!) has delicate fluffy fronds, grows as a tuft on the ground in wet forest and is particularly suited to the West Coast of the South Island?
This book is perfect for identifying New Zealand's common native ferns. Andrew Crowe makes identification both easy and fun, and also includes photos and information on the various fern caterpillars which feed on the ferns.
The Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns is an excellent resource for the home, the classroom or for using in the garden.
This is the fourth book in Andrew Crowe's series of Life-Size Guides - the others include The Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Wildflowers, The Life Size Guide to Insects and The Life-Size Guide to Native Trees.
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Here in Palmerston North we have a large bush and recreation area known as The Esplanade. It has extensive rose gardens, and a very extensive network of walkways through the nearby bush reserve. This also includes a LOT of ferns.
As I wander through the bushland, I see a fern. "Oh look, a fern," says I. Then, "Oh, another fern, and there's yet another fern, and oh! A fern, what a surprise." This should give you some idea of my botanical knowledge when it comes to ferns.
Now that I am armed with this guide however, I can wander around and, with only a quick glance through the well indexed book, be able to say "Ahhh, now that is a Panako Thread Fern... and over there is a Mouku Hen & Chickens Fern.. and over ther we see a lovely specimen of a Titipo Sweet Brake fern, with a charming array of Orange Peel Moth lavae feeding on it..."
OK, so big deal, but geez, c'mon... imagine the fun and educational possibilities of this publication. Your kids may grow up with a passion for botany, and may become professional researchers, or teachers in their own right. It could be a fun game for them to try and figure out which fern is which, and this book will be an invaluable guide for them.
Photographers can 'go bush' armed with this, and know what they are to find... or know what to look for if thay are after particular shots of the caterpillars, for example.
Overall, a wonderful addition to my sons 'future education' library.
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With adorable full-colour illustrations by Kirsten Richards.
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