Climbing fern
Lygodium circinnatum

Family: Lygodiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen fern. It is scrambling or climbing fern. It can be several metres long. It has a short, creeping rhizome. This is covered with black hairs. The fronds are large and climbing. The side branches are 2-4 cm long and they can divide. The sterile leaflets have 2-7 lobes. They are divided like fingers on a hand. The lobes narrow towards the tip. They can be 20 cm long by 2 cm wide.

A chemical called an antheridiogen has been identified in this plant. The Plant List has the name as circinatum. Also put in the family Schizaeaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lightly shaded places in forests. It grows in wet soils. It grows from sea level to 1,500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Micronesia, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are cooked with meat and other vegetables.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Agsam, Nito, Pakis rambat, Paku ata

Synonyms

Hydroglossum circinnatum (Burm. f.) Willd.; Ophioglossum circinnatum Burm.f.; Ophioglossum pedatum Burm. f.;