Plant
Gymnosphaera capensis
Gymnosphaera capensisAlso known as Cape Tree Fern, Forest Tree Fern
Cape tree ferns thrive in the deep, perpetual shade of moist afrotemperate ravines and riverine belts, forming slender trunks crowned by sweeping arches of finely divided foliage. The base of each stipe bears specialized, finely dissected lower pinnae that resemble delicate wigs of moss or filmy ferns. This architectural adaptation shields the fibrous trunk and traps ambient moisture in damp understory microclimates.
Tree FernShade-TolerantSpore-Bearing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
- Bushbuck
- Herbivorous insects
ThreatsDeforestation, invasive alien vegetation, habitat desiccation
HabitatsMoist evergreen forests, montane ravines, stream banks
Life span50–100+ years
Classification
- FamilyCyatheaceae
- SpeciesGymnosphaera capensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Examine the frond stalk bases for moss-like aphlebiae that set it apart from other tree ferns.
- Habitat Care: Remain on designated ravine paths to avoid compacting soft soil around fragile shallow root systems.
Canopy Companion (c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Knight · cc-by
Image unavailableForest Floor Neighbor 
Close Relative User:BotBln / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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