Hay scented fern, Rigid lace fern
Microlepia strigosa

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

What it is like

A large tufted fern. It grows in soil. The fronds are twice divided. The spore groups (sori) are cup shaped and near the edges of the fronds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hilly areas. In southern China it grows between 100-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand

How it is used for food

Young fronds are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dhekiashak, Palapalai

Synonyms

Trichomanes strigosum Thunb.;