Family: Osmundaceae
Common Name: King Fern

This genus consists of only two species of ferns, widely distributed through South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. They are large ferns that can develop massive trunks. The stalks are usually about one-third the length of the fronds, which are borne profusely. Spores are borne along the veins on the lower leaflets of fronds growing from the crown centre. The fiber of the trunks is sought after by orchid growers.

Species

T. barbara is a majestic, Australian species also occuring on islands north of New Zealand. Several crowns grow upwards to pro-duce a solid, black, fibrous trunk. The fronds are bipinnate, with glossy, green, lance-shaped leaflets, toothed at the margins, and can grow 2-3 m (6-10 ft) long.

Cultivation

In climates prone to frost, grow in an intermediate to warm conservatory or greenhouse. Grow in a pot of soil-based potting compost, with added leaf mould, bark and charcoal. Shade from direct sun and ensure a humid atmosphere. Outdoors grow in a shady spot with moist yet well-drained soil. Propagate from ripe spores germinated at 21°C (70°F).

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10.