This medium-sized tree has a flaky brown trunk and ascending spreading branches that form a dense symmetrical rounded crown. It has glossy dark green fern-like leaves and the tiny whitish flowers appear in a cluster in spring followed by purplish fruit.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Filicium decipiens is naturally found from India to Sri Lanka growing in dry evergreen forests on the coast and in the lower mountains to an altitude of 1,000 m (3,280 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny protected position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist sandy to light clay soils and is slightly drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Japanese Fern Tree is grown for its symmetrical crown and attractive foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen tree for shade or as a foundation plant along borders. When young this slow-growing plant is used as a potted specimen and under cultivation the tree normally attains a height of 10 m (30 ft).

It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 3-5 years and as long lived. This tree is also used in tropical or subtropical gardens or used for street plantings. Once established it has a medium water requirement, (Scale: 2-drops from 3) and responds to an occasional deep watering particularly during dry periods. ID 2539

Filicium (fy-LIKS-ee-um)  decipiens  (de-SIP-ee-enz)

Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee) 
Litchi, Maple, Horse Chestnut and Hop Bush Family