Cyathea australis
Rough Tree-fern
Upright tree fern, becoming buttressed at the base. Fibrous trunk 15-40cm diameter.
Additional information
- FamilyCyatheaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size5-15 m high
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesArching fronds 2-4 m x 1 m. Fronds divided 3 times, smallest segments (pinnae) scalloped. Brown base to 80 cm long, covered in small sharp projections. Persistent stalk firm.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Round clusters of spores with small scales at the base.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist soils in fern gullies and along moist riverlets on shaded slopes. Partial, dappled and full shade.
- Garden useFerneries, shady moist aspects. Specimen plants. Will take slightly drier soils than the soft tree fern but will require summer watering in these positions.
- Commercially availableGenerally
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Related speciesCyathea x marcescens. See Cyathea cunninghamii. Dicksonia antarctica has soft, persistently hairy frond bases.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Yarra Ranges Council photo library; 2, 3 Marilyn Bull ©
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