Sign In 
Get Premium Hawaiian Tree Fern
(Cibotium menziesii)
Hawaiian Tree Fern (Cibotium menziesii)
/
/
John Game
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
John Game
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Game | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: John Game | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cibotium menziesii, commonly known as Hawaiian Tree Fern, is an evergreen fern native to the moist, shaded understory of Hawaiian tropical rainforests. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it plays a crucial role in the forest ecology by creating a unique microhabitat for various species. This species can reach up to 35 feet (11 m) in height, though it is more commonly found at 7 to 25 feet (2.1 to 7.6 m) with a trunk diameter of nearly 3 feet (0.91 m). The trunk is composed of stiff hard fibers that encase a starchy pith. The Hawaiian Tree Fern’s fronds are large and feather-like, contributing to its lush appearance. It reproduces via spores that are produced and released from the underside of the fronds.
The Hawaiian Tree Fern is valued for its tropical aesthetic and is often used in shaded garden areas, botanical gardens, and conservatories. It requires consistent moisture and is best suited to environments that can mimic its native rainforest conditions. While it prefers medium to high water levels, it is important to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. The fern thrives in part shade to full shade and benefits from a rich, organic soil mix. Due to its size and growth habit, it is not typically recommended for small gardens. Gardeners should be aware that this fern does not tolerate frost and must be protected from cold temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Hawaiian Tree Fern is valued for its tropical aesthetic and is often used in shaded garden areas, botanical gardens, and conservatories. It requires consistent moisture and is best suited to environments that can mimic its native rainforest conditions. While it prefers medium to high water levels, it is important to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. The fern thrives in part shade to full shade and benefits from a rich, organic soil mix. Due to its size and growth habit, it is not typically recommended for small gardens. Gardeners should be aware that this fern does not tolerate frost and must be protected from cold temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 18-30 feet
- Width: 8-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist, shaded understory of Hawaiian tropical rainforests
Other Names
Common Names: Hapu’u Li
Scientific Names: , Cibotium menziesii, Cibotium pruinatum, Dicksonia menziesii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cibotium menziesii Hook.