190 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
CY ATHK A— contimied. 
C. medullaris. 
This is a magnificent and deservedly popular green- 
house species, quite distinct from any other known Tree 
Fern. It is a native of New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and 
Fig. 84. Cyathea medullaris, a popular species, and the largest 
of the whole genus. The centre of the trunK yields a pulpy 
sago=like substance that furnishes a useful article of food 
in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. 
the Pacific Islands. In its native habitats it has a trunk 
upwards of 40ft. in height, hearing magnificent spreading 
fronds 12ft. to 15ft. long and proportionally broad, twice 
or thrice divided to the midrib, and of a leathery texture. 
