A unique tree fern which has been housed in a glasshouse at Birmingham Botanical Gardens for more than a century has been officially recognised by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and included in their Plants of the World Online database.

Dicksonia × lathamii is a cross between the Australian tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) and the elusive Dicksonia arborescens from St. Helena.

The hybrid was created over 120 years ago by William Bradbury Latham, the then curator of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Since its creation, this singular specimen has thrived in the Gardens' glasshouse, standing as a testament to Latham's pioneering horticultural efforts.

The recent update of Dicksonia × lathamii in the POWO database is a significant milestone in Birmingham Botanical Gardens future capital project plans.

POWO serves as a comprehensive global digital repository of plant names and taxonomy amassed over 250 years. By featuring in the database, the fern is now officially recognised worldwide, allowing researchers and horticulturists globally to acknowledge and reference this unique hybrid.

Alberto Trinco, Senior Glasshouse Horticulturist at Birmingham Botanical Gardens said: "The recognition of Dicksonia × lathamii in Kew's Plants of the World Online is a significant occasion for us.

“It not only underlines the historical significance of this unique fern but also showcases the enduring legacy of Latham’s botanical expertise here in Birmingham,” he added.

While the hybrid's existence was acknowledged by fern societies and experts, its official status remained unplaced due to technicalities in botanical nomenclature. The recent update in POWO resolves this, providing clarity and official status for Dicksonia × lathamii.

Harry Smith, Curator-Botanist at Kew's Herbarium added: "William Latham worked at Kew in the 1850s before moving to Birmingham Botanical Garden during the height of Victorian pteridomania.

“This new specimen joins the original 1885 sheet in our herbarium, preserving the identity of Latham’s unique hybrid and strengthening the links between our institutions’ shared histories of fern expertise,” he added.

Home to over 30,000 plants and 10,000 taxa, including collections within four Victorian glasshouses and stunning outdoor landscapes, Birmingham Botanical Gardens remains a treasured ‘green heart’ of the city, offering a unique haven of natural and historic significance.

For more information visit birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.