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Dicksonia antarctica
Labill.
Man Fern
Dicksoniaceae
Dicksonia antarctica is a species of tree fern in the family Dicksoniaceae. It is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, and is widely cultivated in mild places elsewhere.
Description
Dicksonia antarctica is a tall tree fern, occasionally growing up to 15 m tall. The trunk is fibrous with many aerial roots, brown, and often has epiphytes growing on it. Fronds are arranged in a rosette around the top of the trunk, and the bases of the stalks are covered with light brown hairs that are up to 4.5 cm long. Fronds are 2 to 4 m long with a stout, hairy stipe that is 30 cm long. Fronds are tripinnate, oblong to lanceolate. They are a shiny, leathery dark green above, and paler beneath. Leaflets are 30 to 40 cm long and 10 cm near the base, growing down the length of the leafstalk. Sori are on fertile fronds and are about 1 mm wide, with one on each lobe of the frond (Orchard 1998).
Uses
​Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Dicksonia antarctica is one of the most commonly cultivated of tree ferns. It prefers moist and relatively shady soils, and it grows in USDA zones 9 to 10 (MBG).
Distribution
Dicksonia antarctica is common in rainy forests at altitudes of up to 1000 m, often growing in stands and/or in gullies. It is common from southeastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, southern Victoria, and Tasmania (Orchard 1998).
Status
References
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Dicksonia antarctica. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292386&isprofile=0&
Orchard, A. E. 1998. Flora of Australia: Ferns, Gymnosperms and Allied Groups. Canberra: CSIRO Australia.
Orchard, A. E. 1998. Flora of Australia: Ferns, Gymnosperms and Allied Groups. Canberra: CSIRO Australia.
Description
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