SafePlants

Forest Tree Fern and its Relatives

This page provides information about several species of tree ferns, including their classification, distribution, and ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, like Alsophila setosa, can alter forest formations, which may indirectly affect micro-habitats and associated organisms if they are in your region.

Considerations for Children

• The structure of Cyathea cooperi, described as having "little cups," may attract attention, but should be observed, not touched.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Alsophila amintae
  • Common Name: Forest Alsophila
• Cyathea capensis
  • Common Name: Forest Tree Fern
• Cyathea cooperi
  • Common Name: Lacy Tree Fern, Australian Tree Fern

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Alsophila amintae
  • Rank: Species
• Cyathea capensis
  • Two recognized subspecies: C. c. capensis
• Synonyms:
  • Alsophila australis R.Br. var. cervicalis F.M.Bailey (synonym for Cyathea australis)
  • Alsophila dryopteroides (Maxon) R. Tryon = Cyathea
  • Gardner, Cormophyllum capense (L.f.) Newman, Cyathea capensis (L.f.) Sm.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cyathea capensis: Widespread and highly variable species.
• Cyathea fenicis: Native to the Philippines, Taiwan, and Orchid Island, growing in wet forests, forest margins, and on hillsides.
• Alsophila elata: Found in northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia in the Tucuman-Bolivian Forest.
• Alsophila esmeraldensis: Found in coastal forests to humid submontane low Andean forests (500–1,500 m).
• Cyathea arborea: Common Caribbean tree fern, found in places like El Yunque National Forest.

Ecological Role

• Alsophila setosa: Plays an important role as a biodiversity reservoir in the Atlantic forest and can alter forest formations.
• Some species are found in cloud forests and lower montane forests, indicating a preference for moist, high-altitude environments.
• Mention of species in forests suggests they form part of the understory or interior forest ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cyathea cooperi: A large treelike fern growing 2-4 meters tall.
• Identified as being 2m tall, common along streams in forests.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Alsophila firma: Involved in studies about arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities.
• Alsophila pometaria (Fall Cankerworm): A native moth capable of defoliating many hardwood species.
• Alsophila setosa: Provides a habitat for other ferns and organisms, acting as a biodiversity reservoir.

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life provides pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Alsophila amintae.
• USDA PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov) provides maps for Alsophila dryopteroides (Maxon) R. Tryon.
• USDA Forest Service provides guides on insects and diseases of forest trees.