Australian tree fern

noun

: a fast-growing tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) native to Australia that has broad, finely-divided fronds and a thin stem and that is cultivated as an ornamental

His black-bottom lagoon-style pool features two 20-feet-tall Australian tree ferns nearby.

—Christine Cole, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2004

An avenue of Australian tree ferns spreads great green fronds to create a delicate pattern of light and dark over indigenous Irish ferns below.

—Brian De Breffny, Architectural Digest, October 1986

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

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