Botanical name:

Sphaeropteris (Cyathea) medullaris

Common name(s):

Mamaku, black tree fern

About:

The tallest of our native tree ferns, this magnificent species can grow to an impressive height of 20 meters tall, with its beautiful fronds extending out to 6 meters in length. The very thick, dark black trunk, adorned with obvious scars from old leaves, contributes to this tree fern’s graceful and striking appearance. It is quite hardy and grows quickly when provided with proper nutrition and consistent watering. While it is capable of tolerating more sun exposure than other tree ferns, it is important to ensure that young plants are adequately protected from frost to promote healthy growth and development.

Natural habitat:

Mamaku tree ferns are common in lowland forest throughout the North Island. Primarily in wetter coastal areas of the South Island from sea level to 600m.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Salt & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Occurring form the Three Kings Islands south to Stewart and the main Chatham Islands. Uncommon in the drier eastern portion of the South Island, and apparently absent from Canterbury and Otago.

Height: 20m

Flowering: N/A spore bearing.

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Can be grown from fresh spores (but slow). Young plants transplant easily and freshly felled trunks will usually resprout if planted and carefully watered. Easy, once established in a variety of conditions.