South American tree fern (Dicksonia sellowiana) | seeds, approx. 250 pcs.

TOLERATES LIGHT FROST

• Latin name: Dicksonia sellowiana
• Danish names: Sydamerikansk træbregne, xaxim
• English names: Brazilian tree fern, xaxim

NOTE: The seeds/spores are incredibly small. Almost like dust.

Dicksonia sellowiana is one of the most impressive and sought-after tree ferns, known for its magnificent, tropical appearance. It is native to South America – particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina – where it grows in humid mountain forests and cloud forests. With its sturdy trunk and large, elegant fronds, it is a true eye-catcher and a living relic from the earliest plant eras.

The plant develops a thick, hairy trunk that can eventually reach several meters in height. At the top, the large, feathery fronds emerge in a crown that can reach up to 2–4 meters in width. The fresh, green fronds create a dense, lush atmosphere that evokes the undergrowth of a rainforest.

Cultivation and requirements:

Dicksonia sellowiana thrives best in partial shade to shade and requires constant moisture in both soil and air. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and does not tolerate drying out. In nature, the trunk absorbs moisture and nutrients from its surroundings, so in container cultivation, the trunk should be watered regularly along with the roots.

The species tolerates brief periods of low temperatures down to about -3 to -5 °C, but is less hardy than the closely related Dicksonia antarctica. In Denmark, it should therefore be grown in large pots or in a sheltered garden with winter protection, and preferably overwintered frost-free in a greenhouse or conservatory.

Cultivation from spores/seeds:

Dicksonia sellowiana is primarily propagated from spores, which is a slow process that requires sterility and high humidity. The spores are sown on top of moist, sterile soil or sphagnum moss and kept covered with plastic or glass to maintain humidity. Germination can take several weeks to months, and the plant grows slowly during the first years before the trunk begins to develop.

Utility:

In its homeland, Dicksonia sellowiana has traditionally been used as building material, potting material, and in horticulture, but the species is now protected as it is threatened in the wild due to overexploitation. As an ornamental plant, it is grown worldwide in botanical gardens and private collections, where it adds a dramatic and primordial touch.

Xaxim – traditional use of the trunk:

The trunk of Dicksonia sellowiana is known as xaxim and has historically been harvested and used in horticulture and orchid cultivation. The material is fiber-rich, water-retaining, and naturally porous, making it ideal as a growing medium for epiphytes such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads. Xaxim was often used as flower boards, plant slabs, and potting material. It is also often used in terrariums. Today, Dicksonia sellowiana is a protected species, and the extraction of xaxim is strictly regulated to preserve wild populations. Alternatives such as coconut fiber (coir) and artificial substrates are therefore increasingly used in modern plant cultivation.

Dicksonia sellowiana is an unforgettable plant for fern and exotic plant enthusiasts – a living piece of rainforest that brings mystery and lushness to the garden or conservatory.