PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Dicksonia sellowiana
Tree Fern / Dicksonia
Hook., 1844
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Dicksonia sellowiana is a majestic and extremely slow-growing tree fern, considered a botanical relict of past geological eras. It is distinguished by its robust and fibrous trunk (pseudostem), which can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height, formed by a dense mass of adventitious roots and old frond bases that give it a rough, dark texture. At its apex, it unfurls a spectacular crown of deep green bipinnate or tripinnate fronds, which can measure up to 2 or 3 meters in length. Unlike ferns of the Cyathea genus, the Dicksonia trunk is notably thicker and is usually covered by a layer of reddish or brown hairs at the base of the petioles. It produces no flowers or seeds; its reproduction depends on spores contained in marginal sori protected by a bivalve indusium. It is an architectural species that defines the physiognomy of high-mountain cloud forests.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Pteridophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Polypodiopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Cyatheales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Dicksoniaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Dicksonia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Hook., 1844
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
--
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
--
Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
--
Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a specialist species of cloud forests and oak forests in the highlands. It prefers cold climates with high atmospheric humidity and constant rainfall. It thrives in the shaded understory, often in acidic, water-saturated organic soils. In Costa Rica, it is commonly found in the Talamanca and Central Volcanic ranges, generally above 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in altitude, where fog is persistent.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It acts as a 'biological hotel' in the ecosystem. Its constantly moist trunk is colonized by a vast diversity of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), smaller ferns, and orchids. It provides foraging sites for mountain insectivorous birds and microhabitats for amphibians that need constant moisture. Its presence is an indicator of the health and maturity of the cloud forest.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 1000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Hygroscopic Trunk: The pseudostem is composed of a dense network of aerial roots that act as a biological sponge. This structure absorbs and retains moisture directly from fog and rain, providing a moist microhabitat for the fern itself and allowing the colonization of numerous epiphytic plants.
Cold resilience: Unlike many other tropical tree ferns, Dicksonia sellowiana has evolved to tolerate temperatures near freezing in high peaks, maintaining its metabolic activity in mountain ecosystems where solar energy is intermittent.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extraction for ornamental substrate (Xaxim): For decades, its fibrous trunk was massively harvested to manufacture orchid pots and substrates due to its excellent moisture retention. This practice has pushed the species to the brink of extinction in many parts of its range, resulting in its strict legal protection.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Turtle growth: This fern is an example of biological patience; its trunk grows only 1 to 3 centimeters per year. An individual measuring 5 meters in height has likely been in the cloud forest for over 200 years, surviving climatic and ecological changes.