PlantZee

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Dicksonia Antarctica

Common name: Soft Tree Fern
Scientific name: Dicksonia Antarctica
Height: 15 m (49 ft)

Growth rate: Slow
Sun Tolerance: Full Sun

Dicksonia antarctica is part of the family Dicksoniaceae. Members of this family are the tree ferns. Dicksonia antarctica is wide-spread species growing from south-eastern Queensland, through the NSW and Victoria coast and in Tasmania. This species is endemic to Australia. In the wild this species likes to live in moist areas with high water content in wet sclerophyll forests, along creek beds, in gullies and occasionally at high altitudes in cloud forests.

Dicksonia Antarctica Leaves

The indusium is up leaving mature sporangia hovering about to unfold and disperse the spores.

Close up picture

Dicksonia Antarctica new Leaves

Dicksonia Antarctica jolanta anna karolska

Video on Dicksonia Antarctica

For more information on Dicksonia Antarctica:
Urbanjungle

Information on Brachychiton acerfolius

Brachychiton Acerfolius - Australian Flame Tree

Common Names: Australian Flame Tree
Scientific Name: Brachychiton acerfolius

Height: 40 ft. (12 m)
Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Tolerance: Full sun

Australian Flame Tree is a large tree native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. It is famous for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless. This tree is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over for its beauty. However, the maximum height of 40 m is reached only in the original, warmer, habitat. It usually grows to be about 20 m. Leaves are variable, either entire or with 5-7 deep lobes. It sheds its leaves after the dry season. The spectacular flowering occurs in late spring and new foliage is ready for the summer rains. In areas where the winter is not particularly dry, this natural rhythm may become somewhat erratic and the tree may flower only partially.