Australian Tree Fern

Australian tree fern is also known as Cyathea cooperi, Cooper's tree fern, Scaly tree fern and Lacy tree fern. It is the popular choice of home owners as an ornamental plant. Though it is native to Australia, it is found all over the world, specially in tropical and subtropical areas. The crown shape formed by the leaf arrangement of the leaves, gives the tree a pleasant look. The taxonomic classification of the Australian tree fern can be given as under:

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Division - Pteridophyta
• Class - Pteridopsida
• Order - Cyatheles
• Family - Cyatheacae
• Genus - Cyathea

Physical Features
The tree grows up to a height of almost 15 feet and is used as an indoor houseplant as well as outdoor plant for gardening. The spiral arrangement of its leaves gives it an elegant look. The tree has a single tall trunk that is about one foot in diameter. The trunk is covered with trimmed oval scaly pattern. The foliage of the tree is evergreen in all the seasons and does not change in falls. The tree does not bear any fruits or flowers. The most attractive physical feature of the Australian tree fern is the unrolled appearance of the leaves at the top of the tree.

Habitat
Rainforests and gullies are the original natural habitats of the Australian tree fern. Hence, the most suitable climate is moist surroundings. Even dry climate is suitable for the tree, provided the soil remains moistened all the time. They cannot tolerate too much of sunlight and hence should be placed in shady or partially shaded areas. The tree is fast growing and uproots the native plants by forming thick stands. This is because the tree spreads its spores at a very fast speed with the help of wind and the trees grows soon within a week or so. These spores grow at the underside of the tree leaves.

Tree Care
As discussed earlier, the Australian tree fern requires a very moist climate/surrounding. Hence you should take care that you do not dry out the plant. Even if the climate is not moist, ensure that the soil is watered regularly. Even indoor environment is suitable for this type of fern. The plant cannot tolerate sudden changes in the temperature and dry conditions. They can handle cold climate up to a temperature of minus 3 degree Celsius. For Australian fern tree care, you need to use a fertilizer that is well-balanced and you have to feed the plant at least twice or thrice a year. Thus you need to fertilize it at regular interval of time. The tree usually does not suffer from fatal diseases but can be affected due to termites and bugs that can trouble its trunk. The soil should be moist and well drained. While placing the tree, place it either outside in a shady place or if you want to place it inside place it in a container of the appropriate size.

The Australian tree fern looks very beautiful when it grows completely. The tree is robust, grows easily and requires very less maintenance and hence makes one of the best ornamental trees for landscaping.