Cyathea lepifera
Cyathea lepifera
Copyright © Phil Markey

Family: Cyatheaceae    Species

Common Name: Flying Spider-monkey Tree Fern

Scientific Synonymy:
Sphaeropteris lepifera, Alsophila lepifera, Cyathea umbrosa, Cyathea pteridioides

Cold Hardiness Zone: 9b     View the UK and US zone maps

Cyathea lepifera Information

Identification

A huge tree fern growing to 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m). Occurring at altitudes exceeding 2000 m in Taiwan. It can withstand mild frosts. The common name of Flying Spider-monkey Tree Fern is derived from the twisted croziers. The new unfurling fronds-look like monkey arms.

General Information

Cyathea lepifera is native to Taiwan, southern China, the Philippines, New Guinea, and the Ryukyu Islands (Japan). Listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants as rare.

Distribution

Native to: China, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Taiwan

Location: Taiwan (23.609966°N, 120.926514°E)

Observations

Map may not represent the complete natural distribution. (Markers display observation data).