Bungwall, Mountain fern cat, Centipede fern
Blechnum orientale

Family: Blechnaceae

What it is like

A medium to tall fern. It grows 0.3-1.2 m tall. It forms round clumps. The stem is short and has brown scales with very small teeth. The fronds can be 1 m high. The fronds are spreading or erect, forming a rosette. They often droop at the tips. The side leaflets are thin and long, with a long pointed tip. They do not have teeth along the edge. They are about 20-25 cm long and 0.8-1.8 cm wide. They are attached directly to the stalk. The youngest leaflets are pink. The leaf segments are rounded and smallest at the base. The fronds are dark green and shiny. The spore bodies are produced under the fertile fronds which have an appearance similar to the other fronds. These spores occur in a long continuous line along both sides of the midrib.

There are between 150 and 200 Blechnum species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in rainforest and swampy areas. It suits humid locations. It grows best with regular water but can tolerate some sun and dryness. It grows in forest clearings and along roadsides. It is frost tender. It can grow on rocky edges of waterfalls. In China it grows between 200-1,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, American Samoa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, Guam, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mariana Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Northeastern India, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pohnpei, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yap

How it is used for food

The rhizome is eaten after cooking and pounding. They are boiled. The fresh fronds or fiddle heads are also used as a vegetable. They are also used in stir-fries. They are also added to vegetable soups.

It is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Rhizome, root, fronds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Dhekiashak, Dheki shak, Ge long, Haththazori, Julia roroa, Khammouan, Mahrekenleng, Majuwa, Paku jahe, Paku kelindang, Paku lipan, Paku lobang, Parangipang, Rang dua dong, Vawm-ban, Vomban

Synonyms

Blechnopsis orientalis (L.) C. Presl.; Blechnum javanicum Blume;