Cape tree fern, Grassland tree fern
Cyathea dregei

Family: Cyatheaceae

What it is like

A tree fern. It is erect with a stout trunk. It grows 5 m tall. The fronds are large and arch over. They can be 3 m long. They are divided 2 or 3 times. The fronds have a covering underneath. The stalks are brown and have a rough surface. There are 12 spore bodies on each leaflet.

There are about 800 Cyathea species.

Where it is found

It grows in the tropics and subtropics. It is often along streams and on the edges of forests. They are mostly between 900-1800 m altitude. It can tolerate light frosts. It is also fire resistant. It grows best when sheltered and grown in humus rich moist soil. It likes full sun. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Australia, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Equatorial-Guinea, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gewone boomvaring

Synonyms

Alsophila dregei (Kunze) Tryon; Cyathea burkei W.J. Hooker; Cyathea angolensis Welwitsch ex W.J.Hooker;