Cyathea smithii - soft tree fern, katote  

Large tree fern from the cool mountain forests of New Zealand, and one of the cold hardiest

of New Zealands tree ferns, though it remains largely untested in cultivation.

It has a very beautiful habit with broad soft fronds up to 9 feet long. The dead stipes remain,

forming a skirt around the upper part of the trunk, a distinguishing feature of this species.

Cyathea smithii will withstand some frost to about minus five, provided it is given a well drained humus

with plentiful moisture and shelter from the wind. A cool forest like setting would suit it.

Detail below showing the crown and stipes.

Asplenium flaccidum growing on the trunk of Cyathea smithii

Cyathea smithii growing in Cornwall