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

Cyathea- from Greek, kyathodes, a little cup; in allusion to the spore cases. Cyatheaceae.
Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell. p.110

medulla’ris, pithy.
Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell. p.203

A native Maori name for this imposing king of the New Zealand tree ferns is mamaku.
Forest Ferns- the encyclopedia of tree ferns http://www.forestferns.co.uk/tree-ferns/cyathea/cyathea-medullaris link

Synonym of Sphaeropteris medullaris
Plants of the World online, Kew Science http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17223270-1 link

Other use

It was used to treat skin problems, parasites and diarrhea. Its bruised pith has been used as a poultice for sore eyes and inflamed breasts.
Museum of New Zealand http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/3741 link

Stem cross-sections were used to make 'pongoware' boxes in New Zealand.
Mabberley, D.J. (1997) The Plant Book, ed.2, Cambridge University Press p.202

Traditionally, the Maori have eaten the tender shoot of this tree fern when cooked. The pith is used as a coarse sago substitute.
Plants for a Future (2015) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyathea+medullaris link

Geographical distribution

  • Australasia, New Zealand
  • Pacific, Southwestern Pacific, Fiji

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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