Wonder where this fern is from

20 years ago

I've just bought a new tree fern Cyathea tomentotossima or Highland Lace. Apparently they only grow to about one metre which would suit the spot I've got planned for it. That's about all I know about it.

I was wondering if anyone else has grown this fern. Where is it from and what sort of temperatures can it tolerate?

Cheers for now

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Comments (8)

User
20 years ago
First of all I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday!

Now, back to gardening. Cyathea tomentosissima is actually from New Guinea. It comes from the cool mountain areas hence the name Highland Lace. It is also known as Dwarf woolly tree fern because of the somewhat woolly hairs on the fronds and trunk.

It will withstand Melbourne's hot weather as long as you keep it nice and moist and shaded. It can grow up to one and a half metres. I don't actually have one myself...this is only what I have read about it.

Cheers,
Dee.
User
20 years ago
Yes Happy Birthday from me too....Good day for Birthdays today.
Sound like a lovely tree fern good luck with it.. Cheers..MM.
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neely
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks to deejaus & MM for the birthday wishes...very nice of you both....and deejaus thanks for the info.

By my members page it appears I still live in a terrace house in Melb. (and that I was born in 1904) However, I have tried several times to update my member information at both the YOUR PROFILE site at the top of the page (which has now gone) and at Member Pages at the bottom of the page...but have never been successful at getting the changes I make to save.

I actually now have 5 acres of trees/native bush in Gippsland...which would explain my interest in tree ferns and other gardening pursuits.

Once again, thanks for the wishes.
artiew
20 years ago
Mexicans :)

Up here in (far too sunny) Queensland, its a real challenge trying to grow tree ferns, at least I am finding it tough. They need a really sheltered position. I tried the Highland Lace, under my Poinciana, but the sun moved around in mid-Summer and fried the little guy. 'Sun hardy' means different things in different parts of Oz, I'm afraid.
User
20 years ago
Hi Neely,

At the very bottom of the page where you change your details there is a gold/mustard coloured rectangle which says 'save your member profile'. If you don't click on this when you have finished editing your information, it will stay as it is. Just a tip: for State select XX and for zip code put 00000 because it won't accept Australian states and postcodes. I guess we are not important enough in the greater scheme of things. Lol.

Cheers,
Dee.
lorraine_b
20 years ago
Hi Neely,I live in gippsland too, hi dee ,misty morn,I owe both of you emails (sorry),we have 5 acres toO but mostly cleared apart from my acre of garden around the house, but we are going to replant some trees in the paddocks, I saw your page and straight away thought not to many terrace houses here, have a great weekend everyone,I will probably hibernate as I dont like the heat,
lorraine
User
20 years ago
Hi Lorraine... And Artie ..what's this about heat, for the first time in 8-9 months I am actually feeling cold.
We have had four grey wets days in a row..almost unheard of its Wonderful are you missing out..Cheers..MM.
lorraine_b
20 years ago
YEP MISSING OUT BIG TIME ,WE HAD RAIN LAST SATURDAY, BUT NOT MUCH, AND JUST BLUE SKIES SINCE AND LAST NIGHT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SLEEP,THOUGH I HAVE JUST BEEN AND PICKED A BUCKET OF BEANS AND ALSO TOMATOES AND ZUCHINNI'S SO THATS GOOD, NOW OFF TO GIVE THE POOR ROSES A DRINK ALSO PICK SOME FOR INSIDE AND ANYTHING ELSE I CAN FIND, I AM A WINTER PERSON ,LOVE THE COLD WINTRY DAYS AS I CAN GET WARM ,BUT SUMMER YUK,SORRY ABUT THE CAPITALS BUT I AM A LOUSY TYPIST,
LORRAINE