Cyathea abbottii

Cyathea abbottii is a species of tree fern native to Hispaniola, where it grows in shaded montane forest at an altitude of 700-1200 m. The trunk is erect and can grow up to 1.6 m in height and 5 cm in diameter. Fronds may reach 1.5 m in length and are pinnate. The rachis is brown and is covered in golden-brown to bicoloured (pale and brown) basal scales. Sori are arranged in two rows along each side of the pinnule midvein. Indusia are rounded and in the shape of a cup.

The species is named after William Louis Abbott (1860-1936), who collected numerous plants on Hispaniola.

References

• Braggins, John E. & Large, Mark F. 2004. Tree Ferns. Timber Press, Inc., p. 87. ISBN 0-88192-630-2
• The International Plant Names Index: Cyathea abbottii