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(Todea barbara)
King Fern (Todea barbara)
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Di Turner
Public Domain
Image By:
Di Turner
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Di Turner | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Di Turner | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-04-18T13:50:09-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Todea barbara, commonly known as King Fern, is an evergreen fern native to temperate rainforests and moist, shaded areas of Southern Africa and Eastern Australia. It can grow up to 3 meters (10 ft) tall with a short, stout trunk and has fronds that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) in length. The King Fern’s fronds are bright green, glossy, and leathery, adding a lush, prehistoric ambiance to garden settings. Its native habitat includes stream banks and shaded forest floors where it thrives in consistently moist conditions.
King Fern is valued for its dramatic foliage and architectural presence in the garden. It is ideal for creating a tropical look in temperate climates and is often used in shaded garden beds, as an understory plant in woodland gardens, or in natural landscaping designs. While it can tolerate some sun, it prefers moist, acidic soil in shaded or dappled shade environments. Regular watering is essential, especially when grown in sunnier spots. King Fern is relatively low maintenance but should be protected from strong winds and frost. It is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot. This fern does not have invasive tendencies and is safe to plant without concern for unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
King Fern is valued for its dramatic foliage and architectural presence in the garden. It is ideal for creating a tropical look in temperate climates and is often used in shaded garden beds, as an understory plant in woodland gardens, or in natural landscaping designs. While it can tolerate some sun, it prefers moist, acidic soil in shaded or dappled shade environments. Regular watering is essential, especially when grown in sunnier spots. King Fern is relatively low maintenance but should be protected from strong winds and frost. It is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot. This fern does not have invasive tendencies and is safe to plant without concern for unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 4-6 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: Slow
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Temperate rainforests and moist, shaded areas of Southern Africa and Eastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Crape Fern
Scientific Names: , Todea barbara, Todea africana, Todea barbara subsp. rivularis, Acrostichum barbarum, Osmunda barbara, Osmunda totta, Todea africana var. lithophylla, Todea antarctica var. australis, Todea barbara var. lithophylla
GBIF Accepted Name: Todea barbara (L.) Moore