Cyathea hancockii

Cyathea hancockii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pteridophyta
Class:	Pteridopsida
Order:	Cyatheales
Family:	Cyatheaceae
Genus:	Cyathea
Subgenus:	Cyathea
Section:	Alsophila
Species:	C. hancockii
Binomial name
Cyathea hancockii Copeland, 1909
Synonyms
Dryopteris hancockii (Copeland) Nakai, 1927 Alsophila denticulata Baker, 1885 (non Cyathea denticulata J. G. Goldmann in Meyen, 1843; quae Cyathea delgadii) Gymnosphaera denticulata (Baker) Copeland, 1947 Alsophila acaulis Makino, 1914 Dryopteris taitunensis Koidzumi, 1924

Cyathea hancockii is a species of tree fern native to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The specific epithet hancockii commemorates William Hancock (1847-1914), who collected numerous plants in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. It grows in forest, on stream banks, and in forest margins at an elevation of about 600 m or higher.

Description

The trunk of the Cyathea hancockii plant is either prostrate or short and erect. Fronds may be bi- or tripinnate and up to 1.5 m in length. Characteristically of this species, the lowest pinnae are usually reduced. The rachis and stipe are glossy, brown to purple-dark brown in colouration, and bear scales and hairs on the upper surface. These scales are brown, linear and have rounded bases. Sori occur in two rows, one on either side of the pinnule midvein, and lack indusia.

Cultivation

Cyathea hancockii has entered cultivation although it is still very rare. This species may survive light frosts, but should ideally be grown in rich humus and under shelter. Plants need to be watered well and provided with a consistent supply moisture.

References

• Braggins, John E. & Large, Mark F. 2004. Tree Ferns. Timber Press, Inc., p. 139. ISBN 0-88192-630-2
• The International Plant Names Index: Cyathea hancockii
• 臺灣植物概況 - Vascular Plants, p. 61