Why is the silver fern symbolic to New Zealand?

For more than 100 years, members of The New Zealand Team have been wearing the silver fern, a symbol that represents our national sporting hopes and dreams. The silver fern became a symbol of bravery, sacrifice and allegiance when the New Zealand Army wore it during the Boer War at the turn of the 20th century.

Why is the silver fern famous?

The Silver Fern is widely representative of New Zealand and New Zealanders. It is a powerful and emotional symbol of inspiration and one that all Kiwis can relate to. The Silver Fern image is inspired by the frond of the New Zealand tree fern, Cyathea Dealbata (“Ponga” in Maori).

What is the New Zealand symbol?

The bird Kiwi is the national symbol and icon of New Zealand. The name of the bird – Kiwi comes from the language of Maori (indigenous NZ people). It means “hidden bird”. The association between Kiwis and NZ is so strong that often the word Kiwi is used to refer to the people of New Zealand.

What is the national tree of New Zealand?

Often referred to by its Māori name, ponga, the silver fern has been used to represent New Zealand since the 1880s. Evergreen tree, producing bright yellow flowers in spring. Blooms of kōwhai are found throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats.

Is the silver fern native to New Zealand?

The silver fern is indigenous only to New Zealand (North and South Islands, and many of the offshore islands, as well as the Chatham Islands). A very similar species, Cyathea milnei, occurs on the Kermadec Islands to the north-east of the North Island. However, its frond undersides are green rather than white/silver.

Who does the silver fern belong to?

New Zealand
A silver fern flag is any flag design that incorporates a silver fern, and is usually a white silver fern on a black background. The silver fern motif is associated with New Zealand, and a silver fern flag may be used as an unofficial flag of New Zealand, to which it is endemic.

What flower represents NZ?

silver fern
National animal and flower New Zealand does not have an official national flower, but the silver fern (Cyathea dealbata), which appears on army insignia and sporting team uniforms, is an unofficial national emblem.

Is pohutukawa native to NZ?

Pōhutukawa and rātā are known as New Zealand’s native Christmas tree because of the bright red blooms which decorate the trees during the Christmas season. There are two native pōhutukawa (mainland and Kermadec) and six species of rata vine, a shrub and three tree rātā.

Why are ferns special?

Ferns are unique in land plants in having two separate living structures, so the ferny plant that we see out in the bush produces spores, and those spores, when they are released, don’t grow straight back into a new ferny plant. They grow into a little tiny plant that we call a gametophyte.

What is the meaning of Between Two Ferns?

a satisfactory compromise between two opposed things ; a course of action or state that is between two extremes. Ex: There were solid arguments for both sides and after hours of endless discussions, a happy medium that could satisfy each camp was still to be struck.

What fern symbolizes?

Fern Symbolism The fern symbolizes eternal youth. To the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, the fern represented new life and new beginnings. To the Japanese, the fern symbolizes family and the hope for future generations. According to Victorians, the fern symbolizes humility and sincerity.