Cyathea lunulata, Sphaeropteris lunulata

Description

Cyathea lunulata or Sphaeropteris lunulata as it is now correctly known is a majestic tree fern widespread throughout the South Pacific islands being especially common in Fiji where it is widespread often growing in grassy open areas often along roadsides in hilly parts of the island. Sphaeropteris lunulata in the wild can be a tall growing tree fern sometimes even reaching 12 metres high after many years. The croziers and fronds are large and very beautiful, the leaf stems or petioles are scaly and can range in colour from pale grey to dark reddish green often changing as they age.

Like most Cyathea type tree ferns generally not hardy outdoors during the winter months and should be protected from frost at all times unless you have a particularly mild garden. Despite the origins of Sphaeropteris lunulata being largely tropical it is a very adaptable tree fern and happy growing outside during frost free months where given adequate moisture it will tolerate quiet sunny positions.

If I were to sum up Sphaeropteris lunulata I’d say it is similar in size and growth to Cyathea medullaris, the ‘Black Tree Fern’ but differs by having paler often coloured leaf stems. Rarely available.