Abstract
Abstract The frost resistance of fronds or pinnae of three native ferns (Blechnum penna-marina, Phymatosorus diversifolius, Polystichum vestitum), one introduced fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), and one introduced club-moss (Selaginella kraussiana), grown at low altitude in Dunedin, was examined over a 13-month period. Vegetative material of all species except Dryopteris showed similar patterns with little annual fluctuation and a maximum frost resistance of between −5°C and −7°C attained towards the end of winter. Fertile fronds of Blechnum and cones of Selaginella showed less resistance than their vegetative parts. Dryopteris showed marked winter hardening (to -11°C that was significantly associated with low temperatures. In contrast the other species showed a gradual increase in resistance as the season progressed and the leaves matured (which was not obviously associated with any of the major fluctuations in temperature and daylength), although low resistance in fronds of Blechnum and pinnae of Polystichu...
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