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Dicksonia is a genus of tree ferns in the order Cyatheales. It is regarded as related to Cyathea, but is considered more primitive, dating back at least to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The fossil record includes stems, pinnules, and spores.

The most widely cultivated species of Dicksonia is the Tasmanian Tree Fern (D. antarctica).

The genus was first described by Charles-Louis L'Heritier de Brutelle in 1788. The name honors James Dickson, a prominant nurseryman and botanist.

Notable species

• Dicksonia antarctica, Tasmanian Tree Fern, Soft Tree Fern
• Dicksonia arborescens
• Dicksonia fibrosa, Woolly Tree Fern , Kuripaka or Wheki-ponga (in Maori)
• Dicksonia lanata, Tuokuro
• Dicksonia squarrosa, New Zealand Tree Fern, Slender Tree Fern, Rough Tree Fern, Wheki
• Dicksonia youngiae, Bristly Tree Fern

References

• Braggins, John E. and Large, Mark F. Tree Ferns. Timber Press, Inc. (2004).