Description
Despite being called the ‘soft’ tree fern, Cyathea smithii is very hardy – it is the southernmost growing fern in the Southern Hemisphere, found on the Auckland Islands. It produces masses of very soft, delicate-looking fronds that spread horizontally from the crown, reaching 2–2.5 m in length. The trunk is covered in chestnut-coloured scales and can reach up to 8 m, though it is fairly slow growing. Old fronds hang down to form a skirt around the trunk, helping protect it from pests and maintain humidity.
