St. Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens)

Overview

The St. Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens) is an endemic tree fern from the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. It forms a stout trunk and a crown of large, arching fronds.

Taxonomy

Description

Trunk up to 3–4 m tall, thick, covered with persistent leaf bases and roots. Fronds are 2–3 m long, tripinnate, dark green. Sori are borne on the underside of fertile pinnae, protected by a cup-shaped indusium.

Habitat and Cultivation

Native to cloud forests on St. Helena. Requires mild, frost-free climate, high humidity, and deep, moist soil. In cultivation, protect from wind and direct sun; mulch heavily.