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Cibotium menziesii

Cibotium menziesii is probably the hardiest of the Hawaiian Cibotiums, although I am not certain how its hardiness compares to that of C. schiedei.  It has a very large, upright crown of fronds, a good one to walk under even if the trunk is short.  The stipes are slightly glaucous and uncurling croziers are covered in a brown tomentum.

Despite its tropical origins, it seems able to withstand long, cool winters without its fronds, and it does not require a great deal of heat to begin new growth--a remarkably adaptable plant.  One fellow overwintered this species through a temperature of 14°F in England by packing straw bales around his plant.  I am therefore optomistic for its potential in similarly cool climates such as that of the Pacific Northwest.  It should adapt to hot as well as cool climates, and is also worth trying throughout the Southern United States if appropriate protection measures are taken.

Cibotium menziesii in habitat in Hawaii.  Photo courtesy of Peter Richardson.

The crown of a Cibotium menziesii with uncurling croziers.  Photo courtesy of Peter Richardson.

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Cyathea schiedei (next)
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