Cyathea australis
Cyatheaceae
Common
This is the common tree fern of the region, growing in many habitats in addition to the rainforest. As the common name suggests, the frond stems are rough to the touch, a characteristic that distinguishes this tree fern from the smooth-stemmed Dicksonia antarctica.
The fern grows to over 15 metres tall, with a trunk about 30 cm in diameter, and has fronds at least two metres long. Frond bases are held on the trunk for a long time after the fronds die and break off. Small circular sori are numerous on the underside of the fertile frond.
DISTRIBUTION:
TAS to QLD
