Dicksonia squarrosa or wheki is endemic to the North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands, and is abundant in lowland and hilly forests from sea-level to 760m asl. This is one of the most abundant tree ferns and is easily recognised by its slender trunk , that is clothed by the hard black bases of its frond stalks, and dead fronds can often form a dense skirt around the trunk. Adventitious buds are often produced on the trunk especially if the crown is damaged, with rather stout rhizomes sent up from the root up to a metre or so up the trunk and forming a new plant. An adaptable and hardy tree fern, it suits a filtered light to partially sunny situation, and can sometimes grow in full sun provided the roots are well shaded. Provide shelter and add plenty organic matter to soil. Water whole plant to get established. Can grow  a 1.8 to 4m high trunk over time, but sometimes up to 6m.