Giant Creek Fern
Pneumatopteris sogerensis

Family: Thelypteridaceae

What it is like

A fern which grows on dry land. It forms large clumps. The rootstock forms a short slender trunk. The fronds are 50-200 cm long by 40-60 cm across. They are dark green and soft or fleshy. The side leaflets (pinnae) spread at right angles and are 20-30 cm long by 2.5-3 cm wide. The lowest 5 or 6 pairs occur as small lobes. Possibly now Thelypteris sogerensis

There are about 76 Pneumatopteris species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomons as well as Australia. It grows near streams and on gentle slopes. It is in rainforests often at medium to high altitudes above sea level. It can grow in temperate regions. It does best in a sheltered position where there is adequate moisture and a well drained soil. It grows better if kept well watered and improves when fertilisers are applied.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

It is commonly sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

It is grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Kamukat, Ogobutom, Yugorum

Synonyms

Aspidium molle var. truncatum F. M. Bailey; Cyclosorus sogerensis (Gepp) Ching; Dryopteris sogerensis Gepp.; Pneumatopteris laticuneata Holttum; Thelypteris sogerensis (Gepp) C. F. Reed;