Scythian Lamb
Cibotium barometz

Family: Dicksoniaceae

What it is like

Cibotium barometz is an evergreen Fern. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. 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 semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Hillsides, gullies and forests, where it is shady and damp.

E. Asia - Assam to China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

There is a report that the plant is edible, but does not say which part of the plant is eaten.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The rhizomes contain about 30% starch. It is antiinflammatory and anodyne and is used in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, leucorrhoea, dysuria, polyuria in the aged etc. Antirheumatic, hepatic, styptic. The rhizomes are harvested at the end of the growing season, the smaller roots and yellow hairs are removed then the rhizome is chipped into slices and dried for later use. The yellow hairs on the rhizomes contain tannins and are astringent. They are used in poultices on wounds to stop bleeding.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

This species is not very hardy in Britain and normally requires greenhouse protection. 200

Propagating it:

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Fern

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. assamicum.