This terrestrial fern has a short creeping rhizome that is covered in black scales and forms a small dark trunk. It has mid green fish bone-like spreading fronds that form a neat rounded crown and the fertile fronds produce spores during summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 9

Blechnum gibbum is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast of New South Wales in damp gullies amongst rocks along creek beds or on rainforest floors. 

It prefers well drained humus rich moist sandy loams and grows in a shady wind protected position and is light frost tolerant but drought tender. 

The Dwarf Tree Fern is grown for its upright habit and foliage. It is planted in small gardens along moist shaded borders or used as an understorey plant in a gully setting. It is also grown in pots and tubs or planted in a rockery. It is fast growing and establishes in 2 years and is commonly planted around water features for a sub-tropical effect.

Blechnum (BLEK-num) gibbum (GI-bum)

‘Blechnum’: from Greek blechnon - the ancient name for a fern; ‘ gibbum’: a hump (refers to the shape of the pinnae).

Blechnaceae (blek-NAY-see-ee)