Description

The tree fern is endemic to the Lesser Antilles and is a relatively common plant at medium altitudes in dense rainforest. It is called “single-stemmed” because it lacks any lateral branching. It reaches a height of 6 meters.

The fern’s false trunk, called a stipe, is black and covered with a sleeve of roots that stabilizes the fern and keeps it upright. The fronds, bearing dark green leaves, reach an average length of 2.5 meters and a width of 1.5 meters.

Ferns propagate by spreading their spores or by transplanting young plants.

The tree fern, which is prohibited from collecting from the wild, has great decorative value. It requires a high level of moisture, acidic soil rich in organic matter, and shade or partial shade. It hates wind.

Habitat :

In the undergrowth of the dense humid forest

Threat factor :

The destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of natural environments are the main threats affecting plant species. The Guadeloupe archipelago has a particularly high rate of deforestation, the highest of any overseas territory. Urban and agricultural development is particularly responsible for the gradual disappearance of many lowland forest species. This includes the tree fern Cyathea pungens, which is also critically endangered.