Climbing maidenhair
Lygodium flexuosum
Family: Lygodiaceae
What it is like
A large fern. It has a short creeping rhizome. It is a climber. It grows 2 m tall. There are 2 kinds of leaves, Sterile leaves are narrow to sword shaped. The fertile leaflets are smaller and have frills around the edge.
Also put in the family Schizaeaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In India it grows up to 1,500 m above sea level. It grows on the edge of the rainforest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Nepal, SE Asia, Thailand
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The roots are dried, powdered and used to flavour local fermented drinks.
Edible parts
Leaves, fronds, roots - flavouring
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Janai laharo, Kalitulia, Lahare unyu, Namjam rehet, Parandi sag, Parewapoti, Phak kud noy, Thu-kaing-khu-du