Alsophila kermadecensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alsophila kermadecensis |
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Alsophila (plant)
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| Species: |
kermadecensis
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The Alsophila kermadecensis is a special type of tree fern. It is also known by its older name, Cyathea kermadecensis. This plant is found only on Raoul Island, which is part of the Kermadec Islands. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, we say it is endemic there.
You can often find this tree fern growing in damp forests and sometimes in drier scrub areas on the island.
Contents
About the Kermadec Tree Fern
What It Looks Like
The Alsophila kermadecensis has a straight, thin trunk that can grow very tall, up to 20 meters (about 65 feet)! Its trunk often has marks from old leaf bases that have fallen off.
The leaves of this fern are called Fronds. They are very large, growing up to 4 meters (about 13 feet) long. These fronds are "tripinnate," which means they are divided three times, making them look very feathery. Both the main stem of the frond (called the rachis) and the stalk that connects it to the trunk (called the stipe) are brown. At the bottom of the stipe, there are shiny, brown scales that are often twisted.
On the underside of the fronds, you can find small clusters of spores called sori. These sori are covered by a hood-like structure called an indusium. This cover helps protect the developing spores.
Where It Grows and Its Relatives
This tree fern is special because it's one of only two tree fern species that are endemic to the Kermadec Islands. The other one is called Alsophila milnei.
Scientists have noted that Alsophila kermadecensis looks quite similar to another tree fern species, Alsophila cunninghamii.
How to Care for It
If you wanted to grow an Alsophila kermadecensis, it would do best in soil rich in humus (decayed plant matter). It also prefers to be in the shade and protected from strong winds. However, this is a tough plant! It can actually survive in full sun and even handle a little bit of frost.
The name "kermadecensis" in the plant's scientific name tells us where it comes from. It refers directly to the Kermadec Islands, where this unique tree fern lives.
