Sphaeropteris excelsa, synonym Cyathea brownii, commonly known as the Norfolk tree fern or smooth tree fern, is probably the largest fern species in the world. It is endemic to Norfolk Island, in the Pacific Ocean near Australia and New Zealand. It is named after the botanist Robert Brown (1773-1858).
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Norfolk tree fern being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Sphaeropteris intermedia
- Sphaeropteris cooperi
- Sphaeropteris glauca
- Cyathea conjugata
- Sphaeropteris lepifera
- Cyathea medullaris
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Polypodiopsida
- Order
- Cyatheales
- Family
- Cyatheaceae
- Genus
- Sphaeropteris
- Species
- Sphaeropteris excelsa
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo