Cyathea

Cyathea is a genus of tree ferns, the type genus of the fern order Cyatheales. They are mostly terrestrial ferns, usually with a single tall stem. Rarely, the trunk may be branched or creeping. Many species also develop a fibrous mass of roots at the base of the trunk. The genus has a pantropical distribution, with 230–240 species. They grow in habitats ranging from tropical rain forests to temperate woodlands.

The genus name Cyathea is from the Greek kyatheion, "little cup", and refers to the cup-shaped sori on the underside of the fronds.

Select species

• Cyathea dealbata, the Silver Tree Fern
• Cyathea cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern

References

• Braggins, John E. and Large, Mark F. Tree Ferns. Timber Press, Inc. (2004)

External link

List of species of genus Cyathea