Gully tree fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gully tree fern |
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| Conservation status | |
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Rare (NCA)
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alsophila (plant)
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| Species: |
cunninghamii
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| Synonyms | |
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The gully tree fern or slender tree fern (scientific name: Alsophila cunninghamii) is a type of tree fern. It is also known by its older scientific name, Cyathea cunninghamii. This fern grows naturally in New Zealand, including the North Island, South Island, and Chatham Islands. It is also found in parts of Australia, such as Victoria, New South Wales, southeastern Queensland, and Tasmania.
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About the Gully Tree Fern
The gully tree fern usually grows in wet forests. You can often spot it near streams and rivers. It does not handle dry weather very well. This fern grows slowly and is not very common.
What It Looks Like
The gully tree fern has a tall, straight trunk. This trunk can grow up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) high. It is usually 6 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) wide. Sometimes, it can be as wide as 20 centimeters (8 inches).
Its large leaves are called Fronds. These fronds can be 3 meters (about 10 feet) long or even longer. They are divided many times, making them look very detailed. The main stem of the frond, called the rachis, and its base, called the stipe, are thin and dark brown. They have small bumps and are covered with brown, flat scales.
On the underside of the fronds, you can find small groups of spores called sori. These sori grow along the sides of the leaf parts. Each sorus is covered by a hood-like flap called an indusium.
Where It Grows
This tree fern is native to several places. It is found across New Zealand. In Australia, it grows in Victoria, possibly New South Wales, southeastern Queensland, and Tasmania.
Related Ferns
Sometimes, ferns from New Caledonia that are called Alsophila stelligera might actually be the same species as the gully tree fern.
The gully tree fern can also create a hybrid with another tree fern called Alsophila australis. This happens in the wild. The hybrid fern is known as Alsophila × marcescens.
Growing Gully Tree Ferns
If you want to grow a gully tree fern, it needs a lot of moisture. It also grows best in rich soil that has a lot of humus (decayed plant material). It is important to protect these plants from strong winds.
Naming the Fern
The second part of the scientific name, cunninghamii, honors a botanist named Allan Cunningham. He lived from 1791 to 1839. Allan Cunningham traveled a lot in Australia and New Zealand to study plants.
