Soft tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica). This ancient species of fern has a thick, trunk-like stem which can reach heights of 17 metres and diameters of

---

Soft tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica). This ancient species of fern has a thick, trunk-like stem which can reach heights of 17 metres and diameters of 1 metre. The fern can live for 400 years, releasing new fronds from curled croziers (centre). Mature fronds can reach 3 metres in length. The soft tree fern is found throughout eastern Australia, Tasmania and on some sub- Antarctic islands.

---

Size: 4977px × 3516px
Photo credit: © VAUGHAN FLEMING/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: ancient, antarctica, australian, botanical, botany, crown, croziers, dicksonia, fern, ferns, fronds, leaf, leaves, nature, plant, plants, pteridophyte, pteridophytes, soft, top, tree, tree-