black tree fern

Also known as: black-stemmed tree fern; gray tree fern; mamaku; sago fern

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

Scientific classification

Species: black tree fern (Sphaeropteris medullaris)
Genus: Sphaeropteris
Family: Cyatheaceae

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Toxicity: Ferns
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

black tree fern pictures

Distribution of black tree fern

Distribution map

New Zealand to Southern Pacific

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of black tree fern

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black tree fern care guide

Keep soil evenly moist with higher air humidity
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist with higher air humidity

Fertilizing

Weak balanced feed during active frond growth

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe

Growing

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

More growing and care information →