This tree fern has a slender trunk to 5 m (16 ft) tall that is covered in persistent old leaf bases and is topped with ascending spreading fronds. The long stalked dark green divided fronds have oblong leaflets and the fertile fronds produce spores in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Cyathea robustais naturally found on Lord Howe Island predominantly growing in the southern mountain regions from sea level to an altitude of 450m (1,476 ft) along watercourses and is shaded gullies.

It prefers a semi-shade to shaded wind protected position but will tolerate a full sun when mature and grows in well-drained organic rich moist sandy to clay loam that is tending acidic. It is drought tender but frost and light snow tolerant and generally a robust plant.

The Lord Howe Island Tree Fern is grown for its attractive trunk and crozier and is spreading foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens along shaded borders or in groups in moist shaded gullies. It is also planted around water features or along watercourses for a tropical effect and used in the understory of a rainforest-like setting.

It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and establishes in 2-4 years and is moderately long-lived. This tree fern has been cultivated on mainland Australia from Victoria to southern Queensland but may be difficult to obtain outside its native region requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3361

Cyathea(sy-AY-thee-ah) robusta(rho-BUS-tuh)

Note:
Cyathea robustais very similar to Cyathea brownii.

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