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Description
Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis is a species of tree fern found in the eastern coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. It belongs to the family Cyatheaceae and is commonly known as the Rough Tree Fern or the Scaly Tree Fern. It is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 15 meters tall with a trunk of up to 30 cm in diameter. It has a crown of fronds that can spread up to 4 meters wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Pteridophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Cyatheales |
| Family: | Cyatheaceae |
| Genus: | Alsophila |
Appearance
The fronds of Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis are bipinnate and can grow up to 4 meters long. They are dark green in color and have a rough texture due to the presence of scales. The scales, which can be brown or black in color, cover the entire surface of the fronds and give the plant its common name, Rough Tree Fern. The trunk is covered with the same scales and can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Care Guide
Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis needs to be grown in a shaded area with well-draining soil. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water the plant regularly, especially during the warmer months, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by scale insects, which can cause yellowing and wilting of the fronds. Use insecticidal soap to control the pests. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis is native to the eastern coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. It grows in rainforests, along creeks and gullies, and on rocky slopes. It prefers shaded areas with moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis grow indoors?
A: No, this plant is too large to be grown indoors and requires a shaded outdoor area.
Q: How often should I water Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during the warmer months, but avoid overwatering.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for this plant?
A: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 and prefers a temperature range of 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Q: Can I propagate Alsophila Australis Subsp. Australis?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated through spores, which can be collected from the undersides of mature fronds.
Related Plants
- Alsophila Cooperi
- Alsophila Darwiniensis
- Alsophila Australis Subsp. Macdonnellensis
References
- “Alsophila australis subsp. australis.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 21 October 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp5/alsophila-australis.html
- “Rough Tree Fern.” PlantNet. Accessed 21 October 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Alsophila~australis+subsp.+australis
- “Alsophila Australis.” Gardening Know How. Accessed 21 October 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-fern/alsophila-australis.htm
