Cyathea cooperi

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Cyathea cooperi
C. cooperi in Blendys Garden, Madeira
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 (49 ft) in height with a 12 in (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 (13–20 ft).

[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 Hawaii and has become a problem there as an aggressive, invasive species.

Cyathea cooperi growing in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii.

Detail of trunk and insertion of fronds.

Detail of trunk

Unfurling crosiers

Unfurling crosiers

Crown

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

  • Notes on the Status of an Invasive Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) in Hawaiian Rain Forests. A. C. Medeiros, L. L. Loope, T. Flynn, S. J. Anderson, L. W. Cuddihy, K. A. Wilson. American Fern Journal, Vol. 82, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1992), pp. 27-33. doi:10.2307/1547758