Cave Fern, Limpleaf fern
Microlepia speluncae
Family: Dennstaedtiaceae
What it is like
A large fern. It has creeping rhizomes. These are fleshy. It grows 0.7-2 m high. It forms spreading clumps. The fronds are erect and pale green. They are 0.7-2 m long and the stalks are 30-70 cm long. They are pale brown and hairy. The frond blade is 0.7-1.3 m long by 0.6-1 m wide and they are almost a triangle shape. They are divided 2-4 times. They are dull green. The sori or spore bodies are cup shaped.
There are about 45-50 Microlepia species. They grow in the tropics.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in sheltered spots in the rainforest. It grows up to 1,200 m above sea level. It suits humid locations. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,650 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows below 700 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, American Samoa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, China, East Africa, East Timor, Eswatini, Gabon, Guam, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Africa, West Indies, Worldwide, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
CAUTION: It is possibly poisonous.
Edible parts
Leaves, shoots, vegetable, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from spores or by division of the clump. Plants do not like to be disturbed. They are slow to establish after moving.
Its other names
Local names
Kilele, Kirere, Pakis gua, Teanum, Tortum, Tumbin
Synonyms
Polypodium speluncae L.; Davallia speluncae (L.)Bak.; and several others