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Tree Fern and Falls, Palni Hills. A stream flows through a shola by a large tree fern (Cyathea nilgirensis). There are two different varities of tree ferns that are endemic to the Western Ghats. Cyathea nilgirensis is distinguished by its spiny, rather than hairy, branches. The Botanical Survey of India lists this is a rare and endangered species. Tree ferns are found along shola streams, where they can grow to massive sizes and sometime reach as high as 4-5 meters! (July 2001)