title: Sphaeropteris robusta
text: # Sphaeropteris robusta
  
  Sphaeropteris robusta, synonym Cyathea robusta, is a fern in the family Cyatheaceae. The specific epithet alludes to its robust habit.
  
  ## Description
  
  The plant is a treefern with a trunk growing up to 5 m in height; the stipe bases are variably persistent, with the lower trunk often clear with roundish scars.
  
  ## Distribution and habitat
  
  The fern is endemic to Australia’s subtropical Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, where it has a scattered distribution through the southern mountains of the island at low to medium elevations. It is widespread in cultivation outside its natural range.
  
  