It is often represented as an unfurling frond, named Koru, which symbolizes new life, a new beginning.
The fully unfolded fern frond means life and tranquillity, and it´s a symbol of Maori pride.
The lowest design is the "official" version, the same one that appears on the uniform of the famous All Blacks rugby team.
The fern tattoo was requested by Davide.
A curiosity: when the fronds of the silver fern (Cyathea dealbata), or Kaponga, are laid on the ground upside-down, in the moonlight, their silvery brilliance makes them ingenious path-marks.