Additional information

• FamilyCyatheaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size10-20 m high
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• LeavesArching fronds 1.5-3 m, divided 3 times, smallest segments (pinnae) have small teeth on sterile pinnae, deeply lobed on fertile. Short dull black stalk with small sharp projections. Persistent crumbly base.
• FlowersNon-flowering. Round clusters of spores with prominent cup-like membrane at the base.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist humus rich soils in wet gullies. Full shade. Not common in the Shire.
• Garden useFerneries that are kept moist and shaded. Does not like wind or sun. May not be fertile until 7m tall (c. 80 years).
• Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
• Conservation statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued depletion. Scattered occurrences but may be locally common. Very rare in the Dandenong Ranges.
• Related speciesCyathea x marcescens is a naturally occurring sterile hybrid between Cyathea australis and Cyathea cunninghamii. Occurs in common with C. cunninghamii.

Photo Gallery

Photographer/s: 1, 2 R. Hill ©, Australian National Botanic Gardens; 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©

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