This plant belongs to a tribe of palm, the Trachycarpeae, identifiable by their simple, undivided foliage. Their large (up to 6m in length), diamond shaped leaves have serrated edges and distinctive folds like that of the middle layer of corrugated paper. The singular palm leaves stand majestically and bolt upright along the bustling corridor inside our main gate.
Lacy Tree Fern Cyathea cooperi
C. cooperi, the Lacy Tree Fern, derives this name from its delicate, feather-like fronds (leaves) with lace-like edges. It is also known as the Australian Tree Fern being one of the most commonly grown Australian tree-ferns. It has a slender trunk bears distinctive "coin spots" where old fronds have broken off the trunk. Its fronds are bright green and tend to be very fast growing. Next time you pass by them in the morning when you come to school, try to observe how long it takes for the curled-up newborn frond to unfold and grow into a massive mature foliage. You will be surprised.