Fauna
Plant

Cyathea atrovirens

Cyathea atrovirens

Also known as Dark-green Tree Fern

Cyathea atrovirens is an elegant tree fern native to the Atlantic Forest and gallery woodlands of southeastern South America. A slender, dark fibrous trunk supports a dense umbrella of deep glossy-green fronds that excel at gathering low-intensity light beneath tall forest canopies. The fibrous root mantle enveloping the trunk functions as a sponge, creating an essential elevated nursery for epiphytic orchids, mosses, and bromeliads.

Tree FernShade-tolerantSpore-bearing
Cyathea atrovirens reference1 / 4
(c) Matías, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis
Predators
  • Herbivorous insects
  • Fungal pathogens
ThreatsDeforestation, illegal harvesting for horticultural fiber
HabitatsSubtropical moist forests, stream banks, humid ravines
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCyatheaceae
  2. SpeciesCyathea atrovirens
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.
What to notice
Look for a dark, slender trunk topped by broad, deep-green, feathery fronds growing in humid forest ravines.
Support conservation
Leave wild specimens undisturbed and avoid trampling the fragile root layer around the base.
Responsible observation
  • Root protection: Avoid walking on the delicate fibrous root mass surrounding the trunk base.
  • Spore observation: Inspect the undersides of mature fertile fronds for clusters of tiny spore-producing sori.
Related species
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