Australian tree fern
Cyathea cooperii
Australian tree fern
Legal Status: Unwanted Organism - BNZ
Status in New Zealand: Established
Organism: Land plants
Other Common name: lacy tree fern
Synonyms
Sphaeropteris cooperi
Description
Australian tree fern can grow up to 12 m in height, and has a slender trunk of about 3-6" thick. It looks similar to native tree ferns, but the stipe base has two different types of scales, the first being dark small scales, and the other being large, pale papery scales. The fronds can grow up to 5 m long.
Impact
Australian tree fern is a fast growing fern that can displace native vegetation by forming dense stands. Its spores also spread easily by wind and germinate rapidly.
What to do
Contact your regional council to determine the status of this species and responsibility for control and/or advice on control.
Page last updated: 20 March 2009