Fauna
Plant

Sheshino

Cyathea manniana

Also 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
Sheshino reference
Bart Wursten / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (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
Classification
  1. FamilyCyatheaceae
  2. SpeciesCyathea manniana
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
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.
Related species
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