I need some advice on my tree fern

Firstly, I'm not sure which type of tree fern it is. (Dicksonia antarctica?) or (Cyathea cooperi) or something else
Secondly, one has got two trunks,
the other has got 4! (1 main one with a side shoot and two smaller heads starting)
Is this normal?
What I would like to know is, can I seperate them to give the original fern a better shape and to stop it becoming too heavy on one side, and can I then replant the ones I cut off?
pics to follow
this is the two trunked one, and I want to take off the left trunk.

close up of the trunk below the old frond bases

detail of the hairs around the frond bases

This message was edited May 24, 2008 5:02 PM

growth on the right of a fern and there are another two forming higher up. Can I take the one off the right hand side?

This message was edited May 24, 2008 5:03 PM

the two forming at the top

The frond.
We are just coming into winter here, so what would be a good time to take off the growths, and if i can replant them, what time should I do that?
I hope I can replant them, but I feel that it probly isn't possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sue

Weedwoman, I’m no expert in propagating tree ferns but perhaps my experience with mine can be of help for you ..I got a tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) as a present from my brother some 4 or 5 years ago. He had bought it in a nursery in England. On the label it said the origin was from Tasmania and that it was saved in a rescue operation in a particular area.

The tree had a quite thick trunk of 25 cm diameter but was rather short like some 30 cm only. When I removed the fern from the pot to plant it in the garden, I noticed that it had almost no roots except some tiny little like new formed ones. I was afraid they had hoaxed my brother in that nursery and that the fern had no chance to live. The trunk had obviously been cut from the main stem, probably for practical transport reasons. But to my amazement the fronds didn't wither. I got it in autumn time, so didn't expect any new growth, but it stayed green all winter even with some days of light frost. Next spring it gave some strong new shoots letting me know it was doing well...
This year it is overwhelming me with extreme vigorous growth... Its new fronds are measuring now about 2 meters..

I tell you this story because it could be helpful for your case. I hope some specialist will come along with more information..

Picture from today of my D.antarctica

Looks more like a Cyathea than a Dicksonia to my (admittedly limited) experience.

Resin

Hi Bonitin, your Dicksonia is looking great. they are an amazing plant aren't they? Only the top is the live part!
Hi Resin, I too, think my fern is most likely a Cyathea. I googled some images but all look quite similar, and I can't find one that jumps out at me as being so close, it must be it!
I'm going to cut one off and see what happens! The worst case is the parent dies, but I'm going to try not to take any of the main trunk. If the bit I cut off dies, so be it. But I do think it might be harmful to the original one to have to feed all those extras anyway, and the fronds will crowd each other out!
When I get back from my impending holiday, I'm going to take some photos to my Horticulture teacher, as I think he has a bit of Knowledge about the Cyatheas.
Thanks for your input.
Sue