Mamacu cyathea medullaris
BLACK TREE FERN
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Sphaeropteris medullaris, synonym Cyathea medullaris, commonly known as mamaku or black tree fern, is a large tree fern up to 20 m tall. The trunk is black and covered with distinctive hexagonal stipe bases. The fronds may be up to 5 m long, and arch upwards from the crown. Dead fronds are shed except in very young plants. The primary pinnae are from 40 cm to 1 m long, and the undersides have scales with spines along their margins. The stipes are thick, black, very rough to the touch, and are similarly covered in black scales with marginal spines. S. medullaris can be readily distinguished from related species by the hexagonal stipe scars on the trunk, and by the scales with spines on their margins.
Sphaeropteris medullaris will grow from fresh spores. Plants are easy to transplant when they are young. They are hardy in various conditions once established.
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 8-11
Spores per packet: Approximately 20 spores (very tiny)
Soak a seed-start mix with boiling water to kill parasites. Allow to drain and cool for about an hour. Tap the spores onto the surface of the growing mix. Cover the pots with plastic, or place in a clear plastic bag. Place in a well lit window or under grow lights, but not in direct sunlight. Water from a bottom tray as to not disturb the spores. Temperature 20-22C, 68-72F. The ferns will start to germinate in a few weeks, though could take a few months to form little plants. Patience is required, though they are well worth the wait!
Mamacu cyathea medullaris
BLACK TREE FERN
- Unit price
- / per
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Sphaeropteris medullaris, synonym Cyathea medullaris, commonly known as mamaku or black tree fern, is a large tree fern up to 20 m tall. The trunk is black and covered with distinctive hexagonal stipe bases. The fronds may be up to 5 m long, and arch upwards from the crown. Dead fronds are shed except in very young plants. The primary pinnae are from 40 cm to 1 m long, and the undersides have scales with spines along their margins. The stipes are thick, black, very rough to the touch, and are similarly covered in black scales with marginal spines. S. medullaris can be readily distinguished from related species by the hexagonal stipe scars on the trunk, and by the scales with spines on their margins.
Sphaeropteris medullaris will grow from fresh spores. Plants are easy to transplant when they are young. They are hardy in various conditions once established.
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 8-11
Spores per packet: Approximately 20 spores (very tiny)
Soak a seed-start mix with boiling water to kill parasites. Allow to drain and cool for about an hour. Tap the spores onto the surface of the growing mix. Cover the pots with plastic, or place in a clear plastic bag. Place in a well lit window or under grow lights, but not in direct sunlight. Water from a bottom tray as to not disturb the spores. Temperature 20-22C, 68-72F. The ferns will start to germinate in a few weeks, though could take a few months to form little plants. Patience is required, though they are well worth the wait!