Tree ferns (again)

Philip Thomas (thomasp@maui.com)
Sat, 29 Jul 1995 12:30:39 -1000 (HST)

Tree ferns are not universally slow-growing (though that is relative, of
course). Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) is planted as an
ornamental here in Hawaii and is even being touted by some (in the Hort.
Dept. of Univ. Hawaii!!) as being an ecologically sensitive thing to do
(since you therefore don't contribute to the demand for collection of
natives). This species is much faster growing and more tolerant of
variable (drier) conditions than the native tree fern. (Ironically, it's
the one that greets you in plantings in the airports when you arrive in
Hawaii.)

UNFORTUNATELY the problem is that Cyathea cooperi is INVASIVE IN NATIVE
HAWAIIAN RAINFORESTS and displaces the native treeferns, along with other
understory. Perhaps because of its much faster growth rate, it harbors
FAR FEWER native keikis (baby plants) of other species on its trunks,
MORE aliens, and fewer keikis altogether. Its roots also grow much more
vigorously and densely than the natives.

One person who has published the 'eco-friendly' opinion IS COMPLETELY
AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (and I know this for a fact). Sorry state of
affairs. (I'm glad there are no COMMERCIAL SUPPLIERS OF CP that do
anything like this...!!!)

Anyway, enough for today! AFN, ;) -pt