Plant · GBIF taxon 3600409
sheshino
Cyathea mannianaAlso known as Spiny Tree Fern, African Tree Fern, Mann's Tree Fern
Rising up to ten meters in cloud forests and misty river valleys, sheshino forms a striking umbrella of delicate green fronds above a slender woody trunk. Dense, sharp spines cover the stem and frond bases, protecting the growing crown from climbing herbivores. These majestic ferns thrive in humid tropical highlands across Africa, playing a vital role in stabilizing shaded stream banks.
Tree FernSpinyTropical
Licensed referenceBart Wursten / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic (sunlight, water, soil minerals)
Predators
- Herbivorous insects
- Mountain gorillas
ThreatsDeforestation and habitat loss in tropical montane zones
HabitatsMontane rainforests, cloud forests, and riverbanks
Life span50 to 100 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCyatheaceae
- SpeciesCyathea manniana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp trunk spines can puncture skin; avoid gripping or climbing the trunk.
- Why it is dangerous
- Dense, sharp spines along the trunk and frond bases can puncture skin and cause painful mechanical irritation.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its tall woody trunk densely covered in stiff, dark brown to black sharp spines.
- What to do
- Avoid physical contact with the trunk and lower frond stems, keeping a safe distance while observing.
Responsible observation
- Trunk Caution: Avoid gripping or climbing the trunk, as sharp spines easily puncture skin.
- Habitat Spotting: Look along moist stream banks and shady montane forest understories.
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