Woolly tree fern
Alsophila woollsiana

Family: Cyatheaceae

What it is like

A stout tree fern. It grows to 6-7 m tall. The trunk is woody and 15-18 cm across. The fronds are 2 m long by 0.6 m wide. They are shiny green and finely divided. They are usually divided twice. The stalks are pale brown and covered with warts and bristly scales. The base remain and may stick out from the trunk. The spore groups are in 2 rows.

There are about 800 Cyathea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the rainforests of Northeast Queensland in Australia. It needs a shady protected position. It grows up to 1200 m altitude. It will grow in cooler places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The soft growing tip at the top of the trunk can be cooked and eaten. It is washed to remove tannins. This would kill the plant. The young fronds are also eaten.

Edible parts

Bud, fronds, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alsophila woollsiana F. von Mueller; Alsophila leichhardtiana var. woollsiana (F. Muell.) Domin.; Cyathea leichhardtiana var. woollsiana (F. Muell.) Domin.;