Doodia media

Doodia media is a pretty New Zealand fern locally known as "Raspberry fern" because of its rough to the touch fronds. The Maori call it pukupuku, which can be translated as "goosebumps," due to the characteristic appearance of the sori on the undersides of the fronds. The young fronds of this Doodia, highly decorative, are pink with a bright red main vein. It can only be grown in open ground in regions spared from heavy frost, preferably in the morning sun to accentuate its colours. Elsewhere, it makes for an original and decorative plant for pots and hanging baskets.

Doodia media is a plant of the Blechnaceae family. This botanical species is native to the North Island and the northern part of the South Island of New Zealand, as well as the Australian island of Lord Howe.

This curious Doodia media fern has slightly suckering roots. It develops upright fronds that form a bouquet measuring 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in all directions in 5 to 6 years. Each frond is divided into segments with slightly toothed edges. In spring and summer, the young fronds have a beautiful pink colour due to the presence of pigments called flavonoids, which protect them from the sun. The fronds and their petioles are covered with small bumps, giving them a slightly rough texture. Over the weeks, the fronds turn light green and then medium green. This fern produces linear reproductive organs called sori on the undersides of the fronds. These chain-like sori are characteristic. Its foliage persists more or less in winter.

Uncommon, this pretty fern from a temperate and humid climate can withstand short freezes of around -7 to -8 °C. It prefers cool and semi-shaded rockeries, the edges of leafy woodlands rich in humus, with a slightly humid atmosphere. It can be accompanied, for example, by small spring bulbs, other ferns, hostas, and Heucheras. Fern collectors will also adopt it in a beautiful pot or hanging basket that will spend the winter in a cold greenhouse or an unheated conservatory.