Dicksonia
antarctica: is known as the Soft
Tree Fern. It is probably the most popular large fern in cultivation in
eastern Australia. Worldwide there are 25 Dicksonia species with three
endemics. Dicksonia antarctica is found in Queensland, NSW, Victoria
and Tasmania. In Tasmania they are known as Man Ferns. The species also
occurred in South Australia but is thought to be extinct in that state. They
usually grow in moist gullies and sheltered forests. The Soft Tree Fern has a
thick trunk, which may reach a height of four metres, crowned with large
spreading fronds that may reach a length of three metres. In nature, the
fibrous trunks are hosts for a range of epiphytic plants including other ferns
and mosses. In the garden they prefer a sheltered position. In exposed
situations their fronds may be damaged by frost. At Yallaroo we have a number
of Soft Tree Ferns growing near our patio. They provide shelter for more
delicate plants. Large numbers of Soft Tree Fern trunks are sold in nurseries.
They are cut off flush with the ground and their fronds trimmed. The trunks
are planted at least 15 centimetres in the ground and kept moist. New roots
are produced at the base and the ferns should be self-supporting in about 12
months. Soft Tree Ferns make excellent tub specimens. Sometimes small
plants develop on the sides of the trunks. These “pups” may be carefully
cut off and planted. In NSW Soft Tree Ferns may only be harvested under
license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. These licensed plants
carry a NPWS tag. Please don’t purchase plants without tag as these ferns
have probably been collected illegally. Dicksonia antarctica may be
propagated from spores but this is a lengthy process fraught with difficulty.