dcsimg
Image of Tree Fern Forest
Creatures » » Plants » » Polypodiopsida » » Scaly Tree Ferns »

Alsophila capensis (L. fil.) J. Sm.

Alsophila capensis

provided by wikipedia EN

Alsophila capensis, synonym Cyathea capensis,[1] (known as the "forest tree fern") is a regionally widespread and highly variable species of tree fern. It is indigenous to Southern Africa (subsp. capensis) and South America (subsp. polypodioides).[3]

Description

The leaf stems are mostly smooth, with only sparse, dark-brown or black scales

Both subspecies of Alsophila capensis have a slender, erect trunk that is up to 4.5 metres (15 ft) tall (occasionally even 6 metres (20 ft)) and about 15 cm in diameter.[4]

The fronds are tripinnate, born on long stipes (stalks), and 2–3 m in length. The main stem of the leaf (rachis) is smooth to slightly warty and covered in scales that range from tan to brown or dark brown. The frond stalks are covered with dark brown or black scales.[3]

The smallest leaflets (pinnae) have toothed (serrated) margins. The lowest pinnae may be separated from the others along the rachis and form a clump around the crown, similar to the "wig" of Alsophila baileyana. This moss-like tuft of tiny, reduced leaves is distinctive for Alsophila capensis, and can be used to identify this species across its range.[5][6]

The sori occur in two rows, one along each side of the pinnule midvein, and are covered by scale-like indusia.[3]

Distribution

This fern is the only member of the family Cyatheaceae native to both Africa and the Americas. The species is divided into two subspecies:

Cultivation

Alsophila capensis is cultivated as an ornamental plant.[7] It is relatively easy to grow if provided with a semi-shady, moist and sheltered environment, and can likely tolerate several degrees of frost.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila capensis". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Vol. 8. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  2. ^ "Alsophila capensis (L.f.) J.Sm.". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  3. ^ a b c Large, Mark F. & Braggins, John E. (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. p. 106. ISBN 978-0-88192-630-9.
  4. ^ Ferns of Africa - Cyathea capensis
  5. ^ Edwards, Peter. 2005. Cyatheaceae. Flora of Tropical East Africa. p.14.
  6. ^ (Distinguishing Cyathea capensis and Cyathea cooperi)
  7. ^ a b Cold-Hardy Tree Ferns: Cyathea capensis
license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN

Alsophila capensis: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

Alsophila capensis, synonym Cyathea capensis, (known as the "forest tree fern") is a regionally widespread and highly variable species of tree fern. It is indigenous to Southern Africa (subsp. capensis) and South America (subsp. polypodioides).

license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN