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West Indian treefern

Scientific Name: Cyathea arborea

Family: Cyatheaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cyathea arborea: The West Indian Tree Fern

Cyathea arborea, commonly known as the West Indian Tree Fern or Caribbean Tree Fern, is a striking plant native to the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cyathea arborea (L.) Sm.
  • Family: Cyatheaceae
  • Synonym: Polypodium arboreum
  • Common Names: West Indian Tree Fern, Caribbean Tree Fern, helecho gigante (Spanish), palo camarn (Spanish)
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Caribbean islands, including Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.
  • Also found in parts of Central and South America.
  • Grows in lowland rain forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Reaches a height of up to 30 feet (9.1 meters).
  • Evergreen foliage.
  • Rhizomatous growth form.
  • Slender tree fern.

Ecological Role

  • A primary food source for the Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata), which consumes its leaves, fruits, or seeds.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides information and help on Cyathea arborea.
  • Dave's Garden: A community-based platform for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
  • Project Noah: A tool for nature enthusiasts to document local wildlife.