Characteristics: Dicksonia antarctica is the most abundant tree fern in South Eastern Australia. They are terrestrial ferns and have an erect rhizome forming a trunk, large spreading fronds and are very hairy at the bas of the stipe.
The Soft Tree Fern can be used as a food source, with the pith of the plant being eaten either cooked or raw. It is a good source of starch.
Perferred Conditions: The fern grows on damp, sheltered woodland slopes and moist gullies, and they occasionally occur at high altitudes in cloud forests. They can grow in acid, neutral and alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade. It strongly resents drought or dryness at the roots, but does best in moist soil.
Characteristics: A tender plant with neat linear foliage that twines its way about rocks or other plants. It produces greenish yellow tubular bell-shaped pendulous flowers in summer, with a sweet fragrance. As the flowers age, they flowers turn pink or purple. After flowering, deep blue edible fruits are produced that are oblong in shape and measure 2.5cm (1in) long.
Perferred Conditions: Average to dry, sun to part shade.
