Cyathea medullaris spores grow into the mamaku or black tree fern the tallest tree fern native to New Zealand, and one of the largest tree ferns in the world. Native to the subtropical biome of New Zealand (North and South Islands), Fiji, Niue, Pitcairn, the Samoan Islands and Tonga. Described by Georg Forster (G.Forst.) and transferred by Swartz. The epithet medullaris means ‘pithy’, referring to the large, soft, spongy pith that fills the trunk. The tallest specimens reach 20 m, with arching bipinnate fronds of up to 5 m. The trunk is distinctively black from the persistent black stipe bases. The Mori name is mamaku. The young fronds and pith have been used as food by Mori. One of the most impressive tree ferns in cultivation. Note: this product offers spores, not seeds. Family Cyatheaceae, Order Cyatheales.

Partial shade; moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils; cool subtropical to warm temperate conditions; protect young plants from frost. Spore germination: sterile humid substrate, weeks to months. A spectacular tree fern for large collections.

• ‘Medullaris’ = pithy; distinctive black trunk from black stipe bases; trunk to 20 m; fronds to 5 m
• Mori name mamaku; young fronds and pith edible; G.Forst. & Sw.; ranges to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga
• New Zealand, Fiji, Niue, Pitcairn, Samoa, Tonga subtropical biome; tallest NZ tree fern
• Spores (not seeds) sterile humid germination; Family Cyatheaceae (Order Cyatheales)
• Partial shade; moist soils; cool subtropical; protect young from frost; Family Cyatheaceae

Cyathea medullaris is the mamaku New Zealand’s tallest tree fern and one of the largest on Earth, its black trunk rising to 20 m above the forest floor of New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific islands, the edible pith and young fronds long valued by Mori in a tree fern that defines the primeval grandeur of the Gondwanan forest.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.