Family: Dicksoniaceae
Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree fern, Tasmanian Tree Fern) is an evergreen tree fern native to eastern Australia. It is grown in gardens as a host for epiphytic ferns, orchids and bryophytes. The plant also provides shelter for delicate ferns that grow underneath. The pith of this plant is edible, can be eaten cooked or raw and is a good source of starch. It is an invasive species in Britain, the Azores and Madeira (Portuguese islands), but there are no records outside cultivation in mainland Portugal. This plant is not documented to be naturalized on any Hawaiian Islands to date. Dicksonia antarctica is shade tolerant, with the ability to grow at more than 1000 m (~3280 feet). It grows in dense stands, reproduces vegetatively and makes 1000’s of wind dispersed spores. These qualities make it a threat to native rainforests in Hawaiʻi.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in temperate & sub-tropical cool climates
- Grows in a variety of habitats, & elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating some environmental versatility
- Naturalized in Britain, & the Azores
- Environmental weed
- Other Dicksonia species have become invasive
- Potentially allelopathic
- Young fronds may contain toxins
- Shade tolerant
- Grows on many soil types (provided adequate moisture)
- Forms extensive stands in native range
- Capable of inter-gametophytic selfing
- Produces 1000s of wind-dispersed spores
- Can reproduce vegetatively
- Tolerates & will resprout after cutting or fires
Low Risk Traits:
- Would probably only threaten higher elevation ecosystems in tropical islands
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Palatable to ungulates and other browsing animals
- Ornamental
- Slow growth rate and reaches maturity after 20+ years
