Cinnamon fern
Osmunda cinnamomea

Family: Osmundaceae

What it is like

A fern. The fronds grow 40-100 cm high and are 15-25 cm wide. The fronds are twice divided. The fertile and the sterile fronds are separate. The fertile fronds are erect and stout and have light brown spore bearing bodies.

There are about 12 Osmunda species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet places and along the edges of stream and ponds. It grows in moist, shaded positions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Canada, Central America, China, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Mexico, North America, Pakistan, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young unexpanded fronds are eaten in soups. They are also simmered with deep-fried tofu in soup stock and soy sauce. The base of the fronds is chewed.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Rang atminh que, Zenmai

Synonyms

Osmundastrum cinnamomea (L.) Presl.;