Fern
Diplazium asperum

Family: Athyriaceae

What it is like

A fern which grows on land. It has fronds 3 metres high. The stem is mostly underground and densely covered with roots. This rhizome can be 10-50 cm long. The leaves are crowded and have long stalks. The leaf stalks are rough. Leaves can be 3 m long and arranged in spirals. The leaf stalk is rough. The leaves are twice divided. The leaflets are sword shaped and get shorter towards the tip. The spore bodies or sori are along the veins under the leaf. Probably now Diplazium polypodioides.

There are about 400 Diplazium species. They are mostly tropical. They have also been put in the families Aspleniaceae and Athyriaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. These ferns mostly occur between 250 and 1500 metres above sea level. They grow best in humid, moist and lightly shaded places near creeks and on forest edges.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young, not quite unfolded leaves are eaten cooked. The frond tips can be stored for 6-7 days.

A wild edible leaf eaten occasionally in mid altitude areas of Papua New Guinea. It is commonly eaten in some countries.

Edible parts

Frond, leaves

How it is grown

They grow wild.

Its other names

Local names

Dhekia sak, Dingkhia, Kasmor, Lingura, Paku benter, Paku ikan

Synonyms

Athyrium asperum (Bl.) Milde; and others Possibly now Allantodia aspera (Blume) Ching;