Arthromeris wallichiana
Family: Polypodiaceae
What it is like
Arthromeris wallichiana is a FERN growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Shady places on mossy tree trunks, thick branches and rocks, at elevations of 1300 - 2800 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Nepal to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Tender young fronds - cooked. Used as a vegetable.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is antiseptic. A paste of the roots is applied as a poultice to wounds and boils.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Tolerates short periods of drought and direct sunlight, but it prefers bright filtered light. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist