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(Alsophila dregei)
Grassland Tree Fern (Alsophila dregei)
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Peter Warren
Public Domain
Image By:
Peter Warren
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter Warren | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Peter Warren | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-01-10T11:02:03-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Alsophila dregei, commonly known as Grassland Tree Fern, is a species of tree fern native to the misty cloud forests and moist highland grasslands of Southeastern Africa, including regions of South Africa, and Madagascar. This plant can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. It features an erect, stout trunk that can reach up to 5 meters (16 ft) in height and 20–45 cm in diameter, topped with a crown of arching, lacy fronds that can span several meters in length. The fronds are bright green and create a striking visual display. Flowering is not applicable to ferns as they reproduce via spores.
Alsophila dregei is valued for its dramatic foliage and architectural form, making it a focal point in shaded garden areas or in large containers. It is also appreciated for its adaptability to fire-prone environments, exhibiting a degree of fire resistance. In cultivation, it thrives under part shade conditions, requiring high amounts of water and well-draining, humus-rich soil to mimic its native cloud forest floor. While it can tolerate light frosts, it should be protected from severe cold. This species is not commonly seen in cultivation but is sought after by enthusiasts, particularly in regions with suitable climates such as South Africa and parts of Australia.CC BY-SA 4.0
Alsophila dregei is valued for its dramatic foliage and architectural form, making it a focal point in shaded garden areas or in large containers. It is also appreciated for its adaptability to fire-prone environments, exhibiting a degree of fire resistance. In cultivation, it thrives under part shade conditions, requiring high amounts of water and well-draining, humus-rich soil to mimic its native cloud forest floor. While it can tolerate light frosts, it should be protected from severe cold. This species is not commonly seen in cultivation but is sought after by enthusiasts, particularly in regions with suitable climates such as South Africa and parts of Australia.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 8-16 feet
- Width: 6-16 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to the misty cloud forests and moist highland grasslands of Southeastern Africa and Madagascar
Other Names
Common Names: Common Tree Fern, Gewone Boomvaring
Scientific Names: , Alsophila dregei, Cyathea dregei, Cyathea dregei var. segregata, Cyathea dregei var. polyphlebia, Cyathea angolensis, Cyathea polyphlebia, Cyathea segregata, Alsophila baronii, Cyathea burkei
GBIF Accepted Name: Alsophila dregei (Kunze) R.M.Tryon