[2] D. fibrosa is known by the names kuranui-pākā, kurīpākā, pūnui, tūkirunga, wekī, whekī, wheki-ponga, whekī-kōhunga, wheki-kohoonga, or whekī-ponga in Māori.

It holds on to its dead leaves producing a distinctive pale brown skirt, distinguishing it from the related Dicksonia squarrosa.

[5] A slow-growing plant, similar to Dicksonia antarctica,[6] D. fibrosa can reach a height of 6 metres (20 ft).

They are important for nutrient cycling, as well as for influencing the light locally where they can shade-out light-loving species.

[7] Slabs cut from the thick stem of the whekī-ponga, alongside D. squarrosa, were used by Māori over 150 years ago in constructing the outside of houses, or lining underground storage spaces.