Cyathea smithii PB8

Soft Tree Fern. Needs reasonable shelter from wind and can be prone to drying out - but is worth the effort in a suitable spot. It produces masses of very soft and delicate looking fronds which spread horizontally from the crown and reach 2 - 2.5m in length. The trunk is covered in chestnut coloured scales, and while it can reach up to 8m in height it is fairly slow growing. The old fronds hang down to form a skirt around the trunk, which helps protect it from pests and maintain some humidity.