Fortune's cyrtomium, Japanese holly fern
Cyrtomium fortunei

Family: Dryopteridaceae

What it is like

A tufted fern. It grows 25-50 cm tall. It loses its leaves in colder climates. The fronds are oblong and 20-42 cm long by 8-14 cm wide. It has leaflets along the stalk. These are sickle shaped and dull green.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in cracks in limestone in open areas or in forests. In China it grows between 100-2,400 m above sea level. It can grow in light shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves or fronds are used in stir-fry and soups. They are processed for storage.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Polystichum fortunei (J. Sm.) Nakai; and others