Dicksonia antarctica Tree fern (Dicksoniaceae) Evergreen fern

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Dicksonia antarctica
Tree fern
Evergreen fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Dicksonia antarctica plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria. It is a member of the Dicksoniaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tree fern.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Dicksonia antarctica
Common Name:  Tree fern
Family:  Dicksoniaceae
Author:  Labill.

Known Hazards:  Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Damp sheltered woodland slopes and moist gullies[144].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a sheltered woodland position and a moist soil[11, 200]. Strongly resents drought or dryness at the roots[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -5°c[184, 200], succeeding outdoors in the milder areas of Britain where it thrives and often self-sows in Cornish gardens[49]. One report says that some forms are hardy to at least -7°c[157]. Plants can tolerate snow but are intolerant of severe frosts[11, 200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. The 'trunk' of this plant is merely the decaying remains of earlier growth of the plant and forms a medium through which the roots grow[157]. Plants can be cut down and, if they are kept moist, the top portions can be replanted and will form new roots[157]. The stump, however, will not regenerate since it is simply dead organic matter[157]. It is best to leave old fronds on the plant in order to protect the trunk from cold and dessication[166].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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