plant · GBIF taxon 7314631
Tree Fern
Cyathea caracasanaAlso known as Caracas Tree Fern, Giant Neotropical Tree Fern
These elegant tree ferns dominate sunny gaps in Neotropical cloud forests, hoisting massive crowns of lacy fronds atop slender, fibrous trunks. Their exceptionally long fronds feature prickly stalks that deter climbing herbivores, while their crowns provide vital nesting structure for high-altitude birds. As pioneer plants, they quickly colonize disturbed hillsides and forest edges where sunlight penetrates the persistent mountain mist.
Cloud ForestPrehistoricGiant Fronds
Licensed referenceXemenendura / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- family
- Cyatheaceae
- threats
- Habitat Loss, Deforestation, Climate Change
- life Span
- 50 to 100 years
NE
The leaf stalks are covered in sharp prickles and irritating scales; handle fronds with care.
- Look Up: Peer into the canopy in sunny forest gaps to spot their massive, starburst-like crowns.
- Avoid the Stems: Do not slide your hands down the leaf stalks, as they are armed with sharp prickles.
- Observe the Trunk: Examine the fibrous trunk to see the beautiful, geometric scars left by fallen fronds.