There has long been a debate over whether they are separate species. C. austrotenuifolia (aka C. tenuifolia) given reasonable moisture and shade will always develop large lacy fronds. In dry areas, the fronds tend to be quite curly. C. sieberi often look a bit like longer frond versions of C.distans, but without the pale woolly hairs. They almost certainly all hybridise, making identification a nightmare.
Thanks David, perhaps mistakingly I have also thought that the fronds of C. austrotenifolia have a Christmas tree shape, in addition to their large size, while those of sieberi are more oblong in shape. Is this a valid ID tool or not?
Cheers Michael
Michael, Yes, that's a good indicator for C. austrotenuifolia when it's in a moist environment, but it tends to shrivel up in drier areas. It's the probable hybrids that cause the problems.
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