Cyathea is a
genus of
tree ferns, the type genus of the
fern order
Cyatheales. They are mostly terrestrial ferns, usually with a single tall stem. Rarely, the trunk may be branched or creeping. Many species also develop a fibrous mass of roots at the base of the trunk. The genus has a
pantropical distribution, with over 470 species. They grow in habitats ranging from
tropical rain forests to
temperate woodlands.