It does not have a thousand leaves. Not literally. But the fronds are so finely divided they appear to. The thousand-leaved fern grows in damp shaded forests where light filters green through dense canopy. Its fronds are large and triangular, divided into hundreds of tiny leaflets. This intricate structure maximises surface area for photosynthesis in low-light conditions. The species inhabits damp shaded areas in native forests throughout New Zealand. It prefers moist fertile soils with high humidity, thriving where rainfall is consistent and drainage is good. Fronds are delicate and lacy, coloured bright green. Spores are produced on the underside of fertile fronds in small round clusters called sori. These spores are released into the air, drifting on wind currents until they land on suitable substrate. Diet consists of nutrients obtained through photosynthesis and absorption from soil via shallow root systems. The fern does not consume organic matter directly but rather extracts minerals and water from surrounding substrate. This autotrophic lifestyle allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils where other plants struggle. Classified as Not Threatened, thousand-leaved fern remains widespread throughout New Zealand. Populations are stable in suitable forest habitat. However the species is sensitive to habitat disturbance. When forests are logged or modified, populations decline rapidly. Its presence signals intact mycorrhizal networks and healthy forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining native forests from logging and development to maintain these critical underground connections.