A long-leaved fern naturally found on rocks or tree trunks throughout NZ from the coast to the treeline. Fabulous pot in semi-shade. ‘flaccid’ refers to the drooping leaves, and ‘splene’ refers to its use for curing diseases of the spleen in old Europe (it doesn’t).

Caterpillars of micro-moths such as Batrachedra psithyra tie the spores together with silk and shelter underneath to feed (caterpillars mature at 5-6 mm length) – see the characteristic binding and celebrate the endemic moths’ presence.

Batrachedra psithyra - Wikipedia