Electric fern, Peacock fern
Selaginella willdenowii

Family: Selaginellaceae

What it is like

An erect and climbing fern. The stems are erect and wiry. It climbs to 7 m long. The main stem is smooth and pale yellow. Along this there are much branched triangle shaped fronds. There are 2 kinds of leaves. The leaves on the fronds are blue-green with a metallic shine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs moist, shaded conditions. In Indonesia it grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level. In China it grows in forests and under shrubs between 100-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young bitter shoots are eaten with other food. (It is partly considered a medicine.)

Edible parts

Shoots, leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akar tulong, Daun menter, Ligonai, Menter, Pakis rane halus, Pakis merak, Paku lumut, Paku merak, Paku tanjong, Palu selemah, Rane, Rane paul, Sikili batu, Vine spike-moss

Synonyms

Lycopodium willdenowii Desv. ex Poir.; Selaginella laevigata Spring.; ?