Fauna
Plant

Forest Tree Fern

Gymnosphaera capensis polypodioides

Also known as Cape Tree Fern, Forest Fern, Southern Tree Fern

Forest tree ferns thrive in the humid, deeply shaded understory of Afromontane mistbelt forests and riverine ravines. Their slender trunks are crowned by massive, gracefully arching fronds, accompanied by delicate, skeletal aphlebia fronds clustered near the stem base. These slow-growing plants create vital microhabitats for epiphytic mosses, liverworts, and shade-loving invertebrates.

Arching FrondsShade-LovingMoist Forest
Forest Tree Fern reference
Abu Shawka / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Herbivorous Insects
ThreatsHabitat clearance, forest degradation, invasive plant encroachment
HabitatsDeep shaded ravines, moist Afromontane forests, riverbanks
Life span50–100+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyCyatheaceae
  2. SpeciesGymnosphaera capensis polypodioides
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Spot: Look along perennial streams and deep forest gullies where moisture levels remain high year-round.
  • Protection Note: Avoid stepping on shallow root systems and fibrous trunk surfaces when walking through forest glades.
Related species
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