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Additional notes (click to expand)

Horticulture

Cyathea medullaris is a striking, evergreen, frost tender fern. This highly ornamental plant has a slender, black trunk. The elegant fronds grow up to 6 m (20ft) long and 2m (7ft) wide, and arch upwards from the crown. It can grow up to 20m (66ft) tall, and about 60cm (24”) in diameter at the base. The upper surfaces of the fronds are dark green and shiny and the undersides a paler jade green.

Plants for a Future (2015) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyathea+medullaris link

This Cyathea prefers a humus-rich soil in a sheltered light position but with shade from strong sun. They require shelter from winds, an abundance of moisture at its roots and its trunk kept wet.

Plants for a Future (2015) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyathea+medullaris link

To propagate, spores can be sown at any time of year in a light position in a warm greenhouse. Keep moist by standing the pot in shallow water or by enclosing it in a plastic bag. Germinates in 1-3 months at 25°c. Prick out patches of the young plants into small pots and stand the pots in shallow water until the plants are well established. Grow on in a shady position in a greenhouse for at least the first two year.

Plants for a Future (2015) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyathea+medullaris link

Nomenclature

Other use

Geographical distribution

Cyathea medullaris (Forst. f.) Sw.

Family: CYATHEACEAE
Genus: Cyathea
Species: medullaris (Forst. f.) Sw.
Common names: Black tree fern; Sago fern; Mamaku
Distribution summary: New Zealand, Fiji
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Habitat: Moist woodland and riverbanks
Garden status: Not currently grown
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use

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