This tall tree fern has an erect slender trunk (caudex) up to 300mm (12in) in diameter with a buttress base and is covered with scales. It has arching divided mid green fronds up to 4 m (12 ft) long that spread from the crown in a umbrella-like fashion.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Cyathea australis is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast from Queensland to Tasmania in moist protected gullies. 

It grows in sandy to clay soils that are tending acidic and are well to moderately drained and prefers a semi shaded to sunny position with wind protection and is frost and drought tender.  

The Rough Tree Fern is vigorous and is grown for its upright habit. It is planted in parks or gardens as a specimen or in group plantings in gullies for a tropical effect. It is also grow in tubs and planter boxes or used around a water feature. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions growing in gullies and in dry forest fringes establishing in 2 to 3 years. ID 433

Cyathea (sy-AY-thee-ah) australis (ow-STRAH-lis)

‘Cyathea’: from Greek kyatheion - little cup (refers to the shape of the spore case); ‘australis’: southern. Syn Alsophila australis (from Greek alsos + phileo, grove + to love).

Cyatheaceae (sy-AY-thee-AY-see-ee)