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.
Common Tree Ferns
Common Tree Fern
Common Tree Ferns
Common Tree Fern
Common Tree Fern leaves
Common Tree Fern
Common Tree Fern
Common Tree Fern
DeWetsWild 
I live in a retirement village on the first floor! I woke up last Thursday morning to find my window without my dear friend…. the tree fern had grown to reach my kitchen window and we would “talk” every morning when I made coffee.
I’m devastated!
How can I ever forgive the people who cut it off without consulting me?
ingridgolding36@gmail.com
That must’ve been a terrible thing to find when you woke up, Ingrid. Living close to nature brings so much joy. I am really very sorry for your loss.
Amazing tree!
I agree! You almost expect to find a Brachiosaurus feeding on one at any moment.
Although they are named “Common”, they are most charismatic.
“Common” seems to have been the easy way out for many name-givers!
Tree ferns are curious and beautiful creatures, I enjoyed seeing them here.
Great to know these enigmatic plants are also at home in your part of the world, Jet!
Die natuur is darem wonderlik
Natuurlik stem ons 100% met jou saam, Tina!
Wat ‘n pragtige versameling, Dries! Een van my gunsteling natuurplante.
Dankie, Dina – hulle is voorwaar besonderse plante!
Your photographs remind me of years spent walking in the Natal Drakensberg!
They really do come into their own below those beautiful mountain peaks!
Interesting. There is a similar species in Australia which is also quite large.
Further proof that Australia and southern Africa was once connected – these are ancient plants!
really amazing tree
I find it astounding that a fern can attain such dimensions!