Black Tree Fern (Cyathea medullaris)
At a glance
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- Frost limit
- −6.7 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a humus-rich soil in a sheltered light position but with shade from strong sun It grows well in light woodland. Requires shelter from winds, an abundance of moisture at its roots and its trunk kept wet. A very ornamental plant, it succeeds outdoors in woodland conditions in the mildest parts of the country, but is tender in most parts of Britain. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Spores - can be surface sown at any time of the year in a light position in a warm greenhouse. Grow on in a shady position in a greenhouse for at least the first two winters and plant out in late spring.
Edible uses
Pith of stem - raw or cooked. Base of the frond stems - cooked. Young new croziers - cooked.
Habitat
Lowland forests in North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand.
Native range
Australia, New Zealand.