Family: Cyatheaceae
Scientific name: Cyathea medullaris
Common name: Black tree fern
Origin: New Zealand

This tree fern has a black trunk and is therefore called the black tree fern. Originally, the species grew on the northern island of New Zealand. But now, the species has spread itself over many islands in the Pacific Ocean. It mainly grows in the lowland, moist coastal forests and can reach a height of 20 meters.

The species can be kept as a container plant (and thus remains a lot smaller) at a minimum temperature of 0 degrees Celsius.

Sowing description: Do not cover the spores and scatter them in sowing mix in a warm and moisty environment. The temperature has to attain at around 25 degrees Celsius, and the soil mustn’t dry out. Germination usually occurs within three months, but it can sometimes take a little while longer. Water the seeds regularly to stimulate germination.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: 0 degrees Celcius

Photo: Gerald W. via Wikipedia (CCA-2.5)