Black Tree Fern
Cyathea medullaris
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Pl. 62AF — Cyathea medullaris
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IOverview
Overview
The Black Tree Fern (Cyathea medullaris) is a striking evergreen fern native to the Pacific Islands including Chatham Island, Fiji, Marquesas, New Zealand North and South Islands, Pitcairn Island, Society Islands, Tubuai Island, and Vanuatu. This tree-like fern can grow up to 9 meters tall and thrives in partial sun to shade with moist, wet conditions and light to heavy soil types. It is known for its edible leaves and stems, which are often used in local cuisine. The Black Tree Fern's distinctive feature lies in its ability to form a trunk-like stem, giving it a tree-like appearance while still being classified as a fern.
Quick answers
What is Black Tree Fern?
The Black Tree Fern (Cyathea medullaris) is a striking evergreen fern native to the Pacific Islands including Chatham Island, Fiji, Marquesas, New Zealand North and South Islands, Pitcairn Island, Society Islands, Tubuai Island, and Vanuatu.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Black Tree Fern thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It is hardy in zones 8-11, making it suitable for warmer temperate regions. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist. Propagation can be done through spores or by dividing established plants. The edible parts include leaves and stems, which can be harvested carefully to maintain the plant's health.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Tree Fern for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Black Tree Fern in a moist, well-draining location.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Black Tree Fern plant or ferns, a large pot if container-grown, and suitable soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is mild and there's no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix with peat moss or leaf mold for moisture retention. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young ferns into the garden or pot, ensuring roots are not damaged during handling.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight for a couple of weeks to allow the plant to settle.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Provide partial shade and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead fronds to maintain a neat appearance but avoid cutting into the main stem.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesStem
Edible uses: The Black Tree Fern's leaves and stems are edible. They can be prepared in various ways—raw or cooked—and used in salads or as a vegetable side dish. The plant thrives in moist, partially shaded areas with light to heavy soil.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 9 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Portugal
Oceania2 regions
native (2)FijiVanuatu
Broader regions
native:Tubuai Is., Chatham Is., Marquesas, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Pitcairn Is., Society Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 62af4422-1fd8-421f-9fb6-97e353fa6a89
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