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Australian treefern
Scientific Name: Dicksonia antarctica
Family: Dicksoniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Australian Tree Fern: A Tropical Giant
The Australian tree fern, a majestic plant native to southeastern Australia, brings a touch of the tropics to temperate regions. Its robust growth and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for gardens and even indoor spaces, though it requires specific care to thrive.
Considerations for Pets
- This fern has fibrous, woody trunks.
- The fronds are finely cut and lacy.
Considerations for Children
- This fern has fibrous, woody trunks.
- The fronds are finely cut and lacy.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Names: Sphaeropteris cooperi, Cyathea cooperi
- Common Names: Australian tree fern, Lacy tree fern, Scaly tree fern, Cooper's tree fern, Coin spot tree fern
- Family: Cyatheaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southeastern Australia, including New South Wales and Queensland.
- Found in fertile, high-rainfall areas and moist, sheltered gullies.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A large, single-trunked tree fern, capable of reaching heights of 15 to 40 feet.
- Can grow as much as 36 inches per season.
- Fronds are long (up to 6m), bipinnately compound, and lacy in appearance.
- Trunks can grow to 6 inches or more in thickness.
- Unfurling fronds resemble crosiers covered in soft, reddish-brown hairs.
Quirky Facts
- Calling an Australian tree fern a houseplant is like calling a leopard a housecat, due to its potential size.
- The trunk is formed from its roots and benefits from being watered.