Which Tree Fern do I have?

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Which Tree Fern do I have?

Identifying your Tree Fern

Here at the garden clinic we are often asked about transplanting tree ferns, the first question we ask in return is 'What kind of tree fern is it?'.The species of tree fern is very important when transplanting as the requirements are different. Some kinds can be simply cut off at the base and replanted, but for others this method will almost surely prove fatal.

There are 3 main species of Tree fern you are likely to have in the garden....
Cyathea australis (Rough Tree Fern)
Cyathea cooperi (Scaly or Coinspot Tree Fern)
Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern)

Here are a few points of difference to aid in identification:

Cyathea australis
This species can reach heights of up to12m, with large specimens having a trunk which may reach 1.5m in diameter at the base (The trunks are thinner above). C.australis is probably the most common tree fern of south-eastern Australia and is extremely hardy. This species can be confused with the 'Soft Tree Fern' (D.antarctica) but their stipes (base of the fronds) are covered in tiny rough spikes where as D.antarctica's stipes are smooth.

Cyathea cooperi
This species is easy to identify thanks to the large, smooth round spots which are left when fronds die and fall off. These spots cover the entire trunk.

Dicksonia antarctica
D.antarctica is a gigantic species which can reach 15m height and produce a trunk with a diameter of over 2m. It's huge trunk is densely covered with fine brown hairs. It can be confused with C.australis except that it's stipes are smooth and free from rough spikes. These are often sold as 'stumps' in nurseries and can be planted as are. For an in-depth article on Dicksonia antarctica click on this link http://gardenclinic.com.au/bush_garden/dicksonia_antarctica/

Transplanting
Dicksonia is the only one of these 3 tree ferns which can be cut off at the base and moved, they transplant very easily and as long as they don't dry out are usually successful. The Cyathea species however do not handle being cut off at the base and need to be transplanted with their roots intact. For this reason, transplanting large specimens is extremely difficult.