The bare stalks (petioles or stipes) of Todea barbara fronds emerge in a tuft from the upper end of the trunk-like, blackish rhizome. They are sturdy and rigid, arching out even in the base parts that are smooth and free from pinnae.

Some yellow, green, grey, brown and black would have to be on the palette of the artist who wants to do justice to the plant base in realistic terms (Bean and Johns, 2005; www.nzpcn.org.nz).