Tree fern
Alsophila rubiginosa

Family: Cyatheaceae

What it is like

A tree fern. The trunk is erect. It grows 5 m tall. The fronds are divided 2 or 3 times. The fronds are 2-3 m long. The stalk is purple and has many small spines. There are a few large scattered scales. The spore groups are near the mid vein of fertile smallest leaflets. They have a very thin fragile covering.

There are about 800 Cyathea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They require abundant moisture and do best in part shade. They grow in open forest often near streams. It mostly grows between 110-2840 m altitude. They are frost tender.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alsophila hunsteiniana Brause; Cyathea albidula Domin; Cyathea rubiginosa (Brause) Domin;