Cibotium - Mexican Tree Fern

(Cibo'tium)

DESCRIPTION: A large fern that is native to Mexico and China and has lacy, light green, leathery fronds which range in length from 18 inches to 3 feet. After many years, these will eventually form a trunk that can grow from 10-15 feet in height. One species, C. Barometz, is native from China and is not in cultivation any longer. It is said to bear an interesting resemblance to a lamb. The natives used to regard it as a half-plant, half-animal that had flesh and blood and was covered with wool and attached to the soil by a root. The animal was only able to eat the vegetation within its reach, therefore, it died of starvation when the food supply was depleted. Specimens of the plant can now be seen in museums. They have a large rhizome covered with yellow down; the stumps of the fronds resemble legs.

POTTING: It likes a compost of two parts peat and equal parts of loam and leaf mold with sand generously added. They absorb moisture through their aerial roots on the stem, so be sure to spray this continuously throughout the summer. Less water is needed during the winter.

PROPAGATION:

VARIETIES: C. schiedei

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