black-stemmed tree fern, gray tree fern, mamaku, sago fern
Cyathea medullaris
Cyathea cumingii
An evergreen, upright tree fern eventually reaching heights of 7-16m. Its slender black trunk bears fronds to 5m long arching up from the crown and made up of small, oblong, glossy leaflets with scaly undersides and spines along the margins
Higher than 12 metres
wider than 8 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
In areas prone to frost, grow in a container under glass with a minimum winter temperature of 10°C. The plant may be placed outside during the summer in a sheltered and partially-shaded spot. It requires a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; in hot, dry summers water the stem as well as the soil, but avoid watering the crown in winter. Apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Generally pest-free
Generally disease-free