Cyathea hancockii

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Cyathea hancockii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Cyathea
Subgenus: Cyathea
Section: Alsophila
Species: C. hancockii
Binomial name
Cyathea hancockii
Copeland, 1909
Synonyms
  • Dryopteris hancockii (Copeland) Nakai, 1927
  • Alsophila denticulata Baker, 1885 (non Cyathea denticulata J. G. Goldmann in Meyen, 1843; quae Cyathea delgadii)
  • Gymnosphaera denticulata (Baker) Copeland, 1947
  • Alsophila acaulis Makino, 1914
  • Dryopteris taitunensis Koidzumi, 1924

Cyathea hancockii is a species of tree fern native to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, where it grows in forest, on stream banks, and in forest margins at an elevation of about 600 m or higher. The trunk of this plant is either prostrate or short and erect. Fronds may be bi- or tripinnate and up to 1.5 m in length. Characteristically of this species, the lowest pinnae are usually reduced. The rachis and stipe are glossy, brown to purple-dark brown in colouration, and bear scales and hairs on the upper surface. These scales are brown, linear and have rounded bases. Sori occur in two rows, one on either side of the pinnule midvein, and lack indusia.

C. hancockii has entered cultivation although it is still very rare. This species may survive light frosts, but should ideally be grown in rich humus and under shelter. Plants need to be watered well and provided with a consistent supply moisture.

The specific epithet hancockii commemorates William Hancock (1847-1914), who collected numerous plants in Japan, China and Southeast Asia.

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