Cyathea cooperi – Australian Tree Fern, Lacy Tree Fern – 15 Spore Pack

Cyathea is a genus of tree ferns, the type genus of the fern order Cyatheales. They are mostly terrestrial ferns, usually with a single tall stem. Rarely, the trunk may be branched or creeping. Many species also develop a fibrous mass of roots at the base of the trunk. The genus has a pantropical distribution, with over 470 species. They grow in habitats ranging from tropical rain forests to temperate woodlands. The genus name Cyathea is derived from the Greek kyatheion, meaning “little cup”, and refers to the cup-shaped sori on the underside of the fronds. Cyathea cooperi, also known as lacy tree fern, scaly tree fern, or Cooper’s tree fern, is a tree fern native to Australia, in New South Wales and Queensland. It is also synonymously known as Sphaeropteris cooperi. It is a medium-to-large fast growing tree fern to 15 metres in height with a 30 cm thick trunk. The apex of the trunk and unfurling crosiers are particularly attractive, covered as they are with conspicuous long, silky, straw colored scales. The crown is widely spread and the light green fronds may reach a length of 46 metres. It can also very rarely be found in the colour of a pale pink with an orange stripe going down the middle. This is extremely rare and can be worth about 2,000 dollars.