Cyathea smithii - Ferns

Cyathea smithii is a beautiful and distinctive fern which can grow to 8m (66ft). The brown trunk grows up to 23cm in diameter and is noticeable for retaining only the midribs of dead fronds just below the crown. This skirt of fronds provides additional insulation from winter chills whilst helping to retain moisture around the crown in the hotter summer months. The soft tree fern requires a moist well drained humus soil with lots of organic matter and high in nitrogen.