Australian tree fern

Cyathea cooperi

Instead of seeds, Cyathea cooperi produces millions of tiny spores. Like all fern species, it reproduces in this way.

Australian tree ferns are found in the tropics, particularly in cool mountain forests; in southern Chile and New Zealand, they thrive right down to sea level. The key conditions for these plants to thrive are very high humidity all year round and a thermally balanced, rather cool climate.

Most Australian tree ferns grow to a height of between 4 and 6 metres. However, some species have been recorded as growing to heights of over 20 metres.

Fern trees have a high reproductive capacity. Over a period of 30 years, a fern tree can produce around 1.25 quadrillion spores!

Distribution

box fern: Mexico and Guatemala; cup fern: Venezuela, Colombia and the Caribbean; black Australian tree fern: Australia and the Pacific.

Number of related species

around 700 worldwide

Use

In Madagascar, flower pots are carved from the root system. This is now banned because the Australian tree ferns have become rare due to overexploitation.

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

Distribution

box fern: Mexico and Guatemala; cup fern: Venezuela, Colombia and the Caribbean; black Australian tree fern: Australia and the Pacific.

Number of related species

around 700 worldwide

Use

In Madagascar, flower pots are carved from the root system. This is now banned because the Australian tree ferns have become rare due to overexploitation.

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Australian tree fern for CHF 100.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Australian tree fern for CHF 100.–

Become a godparent

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