Japanese lady fern, Black lady fern
Deparia petersenii

Family: Athyriaceae

What it is like

A fern. It has creeping stems. They are slender and dark brown. The fronds vary in size from 6 cm x 1 cm to 1 m x 25 cm. They are deeply divided.

Also put in the family Woodsiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. In China it has been recorded between sea level to 2,500 m above sea level or higher. It is near streams in broad-leaved evergreen forests. It grows in partly shaded areas. In Argentina it grows between 100-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Polynesia, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves or fronds are cooked and eaten in stir-fries, with other food or in soups. They are used fresh or dried.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Pakis nona jepang

Synonyms

Asplenium petersenii Kunze; Athyrium petersenii (Kunze) Copeland; Diplazium petersenii (Kunze) H. Christ; and others