Cyathea dregei
The Common Tree Fern grows in forest openings, ravines and mountain grasslands up to 2,300m above sea level in South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe and northwards into equatorial Africa. It can grow to a height of around 7m, though usually only about half that, with the fronds (leaves) growing to 3m in length! The Common Tree Fern is a protected species in South Africa and, although it is a favoured though difficult to care for garden feature, plants may not be removed from the wild. They’re quite resilient in the face of fire and frost.
Amazing tree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! You almost expect to find a Brachiosaurus feeding on one at any moment.
LikeLike
Although they are named “Common”, they are most charismatic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Common” seems to have been the easy way out for many name-givers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tree ferns are curious and beautiful creatures, I enjoyed seeing them here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to know these enigmatic plants are also at home in your part of the world, Jet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Die natuur is darem wonderlik
LikeLiked by 1 person
Natuurlik stem ons 100% met jou saam, Tina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wat ‘n pragtige versameling, Dries! Een van my gunsteling natuurplante.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dankie, Dina – hulle is voorwaar besonderse plante!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photographs remind me of years spent walking in the Natal Drakensberg!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really do come into their own below those beautiful mountain peaks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. There is a similar species in Australia which is also quite large.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Further proof that Australia and southern Africa was once connected – these are ancient plants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
really amazing tree
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find it astounding that a fern can attain such dimensions!
LikeLike