Cyathea albidosquamata

Cyathea albidosquamata is a species of tree fern native to the Maluku Islands and New Guinea, where it grows in rain forest and montane forest at an altitude of 1200–1500 m. The trunk is erect and about 2 m tall. Fronds are bi- or tripinnate and 1-1.5 m in length. The lower surface of the rachis is covered in scales and the stipe has scattered scales throughout its length. These are glossy and pale, with dull, fragile edges. Sori occur near the fertile pinnule midvein and have flat indusia which resemble small saucers.

Richard Eric Holttum was the first to recognise the relationship between C. albidosquamata and the Alsophila, when he grouped it among species normally associated with that taxon. If Alsophila were to be accepted as a genus alongside Cyathea, a new combination would be required for C. albidosquamata.

References

• Braggins, John E. & Large, Mark F. 2004. Tree Ferns. Timber Press, Inc., p. 90. ISBN 0-88192-630-2
• The International Plant Names Index: Cyathea albidosquamata