Cyathea cooperi

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iCyathea cooperi

C. cooperi in Blendys Garden, Madeira

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pteridophyta
Class:	Pteridopsida
Order:	Cyatheales
Family:	Cyatheaceae
Genus:	Cyathea
Subgenus:	Sphaeropteris
Section:	Sphaeropteris
Species:	C. cooperi

Binomial name

Cyathea cooperi
(W. J. Hooker ex F. von Mueller) Domin, 1929

Synonyms

Alsophila cooperi W. J. Hooker ex F. von Mueller, 1866
Sphaeropteris cooperi (W. J. Hooker ex F. von Mueller) Tryon, 1970

Cyathea cooperi, also known as the Australian Tree Fern, Lacy Tree Fern, Scaly Tree Fern, or Cooper’s Tree Fern, is a medium-to-large, fast growing tree fern native to Australia. This fern grows to 15 m in height with a 30 cm thick trunk. The apex of the trunk and unfurling crosiers are particularly attractive, covered as they are with conspicuous long, silky, straw colored scales. The crown is widely spread and the light green fronds may reach a length of 4-6 m.

[edit] Cultivation

This is one of the most commonly grown tree ferns used in gardens and commercial landscaping. It is hardy and easy to grow. Heavy frosts may kill the fronds, but plants recover quickly. They prefer protected, shady moist conditions but can be grown in sunny areas. It does not do well in full sun. Keep well watered.

C. cooperi has become naturalized in Hawai‘i and has become a problem there as an aggressive, invasive species. The Hawaiian Islands are home to four species of endemic tree fern of the genus Cibotium (Dicksoniaceae).