How to tell a Cyathea robusta from a C. brownii ?

[Steve Mac]

The C. robusta being from Lord Howe Island and the C. brownii being from Norfolk Island both just off the coast of Australia, they are similar, Which do I have? I'm pretty sure that the little one has grown from a spore of the big one, I found it nearby in the garden. We also have C. australis and C. cooperii but not for as long and not that close. Is there a specific sign that I can look for? The first two pics are the big one and the next 3 are the one that came up by itself.

[ariscott]

Oh... don't I wish I could grow them.... .

Regards, Ari

[tropicbreeze]

Check this site for differences between cooperi and australis.

www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2003/cyathea-spp.html

It could shed some light on what the small plants are, or at least eliminate those two species as possible sources of the spore.

For the others, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney should be able to help you.

[Steve Mac]

Thanks that was interesting. I now believe that they (my 5 original pics) are all C. brownii, from other pics that I have found on the web.

[edbrown_III]

Heres some old jpgs I have of the differences of the various species.

[Steve Mac]

That's great Ed. I'll copy that.