Norfolk Island Tree Fern

Overview

The external Australian territory of Norfolk Island has around 200 native plants, including 40 that are endemic, such as the Norfolk Tree Fern (Cyathea brownii). At around 20 metres in height, with fronds up to five metres long, this is the tallest of all tree fern species. Mature trees have a smooth trunk marked with oval scars from fallen fronds.

The Norfolk Tree Fern was common in the island’s once extensive subtropical rainforest. It can now be found naturally in remnant patches of native forest on private land and in the Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden, where it’s a protected species. The Norfolk Tree Fern has been cultivated in many countries and is not endangered.

The stamps, designed by Simone Sakinofsky of the Australia Post Design Studio, presents close-up photographs of this fern species, showing an open frond as well as a frond in the process of unfurling.

Technical specifications