Plants: Species

Tree Fern: Australian Tree Fern Cyathea australis

FAMILY: CYATHEACEAE (Tree Fern Family)

Looking at the thick trunk and lacy canopy of fronds on the Australian tree fern Cyathea australis, it's easy to see how ferns once dominated Earth's landscape. In the Paleozoic era, many ferns were taller than the surrounding trees, and this ancient species can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters), with fronds up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) long.