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In the Gardens

Australian Tree Fern,

Cooper’s Tree Fern

Sphaeropteris cooperi

Bloom time

None

Characteristics

The giant fern produces a thin trunk that grows up to 9 m (10 yd.) tall and thus reminds of a palm tree. The fronds branch from the top of the trunk; they are remarkably longer than 1 m (3,3‘) and bipinnate. You will easily observe scars on the trunk’s bark; they derive from elder fronds that have already fallen off.

Site:

Cooper’s Tree Fern is cultivated in moist regions up to an altitude of 800 m (875 yd.). It is frequently found in shady ravines as in the “Inferno” in Palheiro Gardens. Some remarkable specimens can also be found in the region of Ribeiro Frio, along the Levada da Serra superior to Camacha and on the central square of Camacha.

Interesting to know:

Cooper’s Tree Fern is native to Australia. Nowadays it has spread worldwide through tropical and subtropical regions because of its highly decorating character. Although you only find slight variations there are known about 900 species of tree ferns. They grow in mountain forests mainly on the southern hemisphere. To grow well they require a stable climate with a constantly high humidity and without frost. The trunks do no consist of wood; they are tubes that are supported by the surrounding stalks and aerial roots.

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