Cyathea cooperi (fern)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Taxonomic name: Cyathea cooperi (Hook. ex F. Muell.) Domin Synonyms: Alsophila australis R.Br.  var. cervicalis F.M.Bailey, Alsophila australis R.Br.  var. excelsa F.M.Bailey, Alsophila australis R.Br.  var. pallida F.M.Bailey, Alsophila cooperi Hook. ex F.Muell., Alsophila excelsa R.Br. ex Endl.  var. cooperi (Hook. ex F.Muell.) Domin, Cyathea australis (R.Br.) Domin  var. pallida (F.M.Bailey) Domin, Cyathea australis (R.Br.)Domin  var. cervicalis (F.M.Bailey) Domin, Cyathea brownii Domin  var. cooperi (Hook. ex F.Muell.)Domin, Sphaeropteris cooperi (Hook. ex F. Muell.) R. M. Tryon Common names: Australian tree fern (English), Cooper's cyathea, fanjan Australien (French), fougère arborescente d'Australia (French), lacy tree fern, scaly tree fern, straw tree fern (English) Organism type: fern Native to Queensland, Australia, Cyathea cooperi has invaded several islands in the Pacific. It is a fast growing fern that displaces native vegetation easily by forming dense stands. C. cooperi has become a problem in Hawaii by displacing its native ferns. It spreads its spores very easily by wind and proceeds to grow within a few weeks. It can grow up to 12m high and its fronds can grow up to 5m long. Description Cyathea cooperi can grow up to 12m in height (Wilson, 2007). The stipe base of Cyathea cooperi has two different types of scales. The first being dark, small scales and the other being large, pale, papery scales. The latter is the reason for the shaggy blond mat of scales that forms. After the leaves die, the stipes will fall off at the trunk leaving oval scars (Medeiroset al, 1992). The sorus lacks an indisium and has a ring of small scales around the sporangia (Heenanet al, 1998). The fronds of C. cooperi can grow up to 5m long (Wilson, 2007). HEAR (2006) states, "Blades 2-pinnate-pinnatifid to 3-pinnate at base, green or light green above, paler below; rachises with dark brown, obtuse tubercles. Pinnae up to 65 x 26cm. Pinnules stalked, tips acuminate. Ultimate segments deeply pinnatifid to 1-pinnate, segment lobes falcate, margins irregularly toothed or rarely deeply lobed. Veins 1-forked." In older Cyathea cooperi a tight rosette will form at the top of the trunk (Large, 2005). Similar Species Cyathea australis More Occurs in: natural forests, ruderal/disturbed Habitat description The native habitat for Cyathea cooperi is in gullies and rainforests. It can also be found along roadsides and streamcourses above permanent waterline. C. cooperi is somewhat tolerant of dry conditions but is found most in wet sites. These wet sites are usually where there is ground disturbance (Medeiros et al, 1992). This species likes loam, clay loam, and sand soils (Coleman, 1997). General impacts In Hawaii the threat to forests is the displacement of native species where the fern achieves high densities (Medeiroset al, 1992). Medeiros et al (1992) reports that Cyathea cooperi has displaced two native species of Cyathea, Cyathea excelsa and Cyathea bourbonica, in native rainforests and headlands. Uses Cyathea cooper is commonly used as an ornamental plant (Starret al, 2005). Geographical range Native range: Australia: Queensland (Medeiroset al, 1992) Known introduced range: USA: Hawaii; French Polynesia (Polynésie Française), Australia: New South Wales, Western Australia; New Zealand (Medeiroset al, 1992; HEAR, 2006; Heenanet al, 1998) Introduction pathways to new locations For ornamental purposes: Cyathea cooperi was first introduced outside of its native range as a horticultural plant by the 1950s it had escaped cultivation (Durand and Goldstein, 2001a). Management information Preventative measures: A Risk assessment of Cyathea cooperi for Australia was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 8 and a recommendation of: reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be of high risk (Pacific). Physical: Bushcare (2006) states, that sawing the trunk at ground level, or leaving a thigh high stump that won't become a trip hazard. Reproduction The spores of Cyathea cooperi are dispersed by the wind (Hear, 2006). Cyathea cooperi produces 22-27 fertile fronds per year (Durand and Goldstein, 2001b). Lifecycle stages According to Deppler (1998), "Spore are microscopic dust-like particles which are released from the sporangia (spore sacs) when they are ripe. The spores are dispersed by wind and, if they should settle in a shady, constantly moist and warm position, they may germinate. Germination usually takes about three months but in some species it may take many months. Initially at germination a tiny flat, green heart-shaped structure is formed and it is at this stage that fertilisation occurs. Some weeks later, the first tiny fronds will begin to develop and a new plant will begin to grow." Principal sources: Hawaiian Ecosystems At Risk (HEAR). 2006. Cyathea cooperi (Hook. ex F. Muell.) Domin, Cyatheaceae. Medeiros, A.C., L.L. Loope, T. Flynn, J. Anderson, L.W. Cuddihy, K.A. Wilson. 1992. Notes on the status of the invasive Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) in Hawaiin rain forests. American Fern Journal. 82(1): 27-33. Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Friday, 3 August 2007