Well There You Go

These are the curled fronds of a tree fern in one of the main parks. I can still remember when I was studying horticulture and I discovered that Tree Ferns (Cyathea cooperi and Cyathea australis) were Australian species of the plant. I guess growing up in Western Australia, I sometimes forget that parts of the country are quite tropical. So, naturally, the plants would be very different to the scrub that grows round Perth. Surprisingly enough tree ferns grow quite well in Perth, just make sure they are in a darn good location (part/dappled shade with improved soil, NOT SAND!). The main thing you have to watch with tree ferns is they grow. Ive seen them grow up to nearly 2 stories tall next to a south facing side of a building. Admittedly it was a very old plant, but the point to note is it explains this in the plants namesake. TREE fern, ie; tree like growth. They get quite tall and the fronds can spread across up to about 2m if theyre really happy where they are. So please when planting make sure they have room to grow, coz if you have to get rid of one they are easy to chop down but removing the stump is a royal bastard of a job.