Schizolobium parahyba – Brazilian Fern Tree

Description

Schizolobium parahyba – Brazilian Fern Tree

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 5 seeds

Description

The Brazilian Fern Tree, Schizolobium parahyba, is a fast-growing South American tree admired for exceptionally large, feathery compound leaves. Its dramatic foliage gives a tropical, almost prehistoric look to spacious gardens.

This is a vigorous feature tree rather than a small fern. Given warmth, water and space, it can develop a tall trunk and broad canopy, so site selection is especially important.

Key Features

• Foliage: Large, bipinnate leaves with many fine leaflets.
• Habit: Tall, rapidly growing tropical tree with a striking silhouette.
• Feature: Broad canopy and oversized leaves creating a lush effect.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun in a spacious, sheltered site away from structures.
• Soil: Deep, fertile and freely draining ground with reliable moisture while young.
• Climate: Tropical to warm subtropical; frost and strong wind may damage young trees.
• Care: Plant only where its eventual size and fast growth are appropriate.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Carefully nick or sand a small part of the very hard seed coat, away from the embryo; soak overnight in lukewarm water.
2. Sow: Plant about 10–15 mm deep in a warm, free-draining propagation medium.
3. Germinate: Provide steady warmth and light moisture without waterlogging.
4. Pot on: Transfer seedlings promptly into deep pots to protect the developing roots.

Growing Note

Choose the planting position carefully. This species grows quickly into a large tree and is unsuitable for small courtyards or tight spaces.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.