Family: Sapindaceae
Common name: Fern tree, Japanese fern tree, Ferntree, Fern leaf tree, Pihimbiya, Thika palm, Soapberry
An obedient, non-fussy tree with a well-rounded crown, Fern trees are ideal trees for your gardens and landscaped areas.
Tree characteristics
It only grows to a height of 10-12 meters with a beautifully branched trunk that is fissured and flaky especially in older trees.
The crown is uniformly rounded, almost symmetrical staying within its allocated area in a garden or a sidewalk. Leaves are very showy, dark green, and glossy with a wavy margin.
Fern tree leaves are opposite, sometimes alternate, thin and long, without any petiole connecting them to the stem. A very unique feature of this tree is the small wings on either side of the leaf spines, where the leaflets are borne.
Though they are mostly grown as ornamental trees because of their foliage, Fern trees also produce small white flowers in small bunches. But they are quite inconspicuous and hidden inside the thick leaves. Once pollinated, these flowers produce small green rounded fruits that turn purple when ripe.
Gardening tips
Fern trees are native to Sri Lanka and Southern India but are now grown in countries all over the world, especially warm-weathered countries.
Fern trees are slow-growing and need very little maintenance. They can withstand drought, salinity, poor soil conditions, temperature fluctuations, and pest infestations.
Fern tree roots are simple, and their compact growth makes them ideal for terrace balconies and partially shaded areas where these trees can grow and flourish, bringing a tropical feel to the space. The large, fern-like leaves stay evergreen, giving the tree its name Fern tree.
Uses of Fern trees
These trees are mostly grown as ornamental trees since they are small and compact. They can be grown in home gardens, parks, and urban landscaped areas.
The fruits are edible and preferred by small birds, they are dispersed far and wide, thus taking over new territories quickly.
Hence Fern trees are considered invasive in some parts of the world, but not a major nuisance since they can be hand-plucked when the trees are small.
Some people might be allergic to the flowers, which has to be a major while using them in indoor spaces.
The wood of the tree is quite sturdy and can be used for making small wooden implements and handles.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Sobha Petunia, Bangalore.
