Kamraj
Helminthostachys zeylanica

Family: Ophioglossaceae

What it is like

A fern. It is erect and grows in soil. It grows 15-90 cm tall. It has a deep creeping rhizome of underground stem. There are 1-2 leaves. The leaf stalk is thick. It is 10-60 cm long. The sterile part of the leaf is divided 3 times and these each have 2-5 segments. The segments are sword shaped and taper to the tip and have fine teeth along the edge. They are 5-25 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The fertile spike is at the top. It is on a stalk 3-30 cm long and the spike is 5-21 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Indonesia it grows from sea level to 725 m above sea level. It grows in moist poorly drained soil. It is often along rivers and on the edge of forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Northeastern India, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten raw or steamed. The young leaf stalks are cooked and eaten like asparagus.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves, stalks, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Asi bisi, Feciruk, Han votar, Majur goda, Manon, Olipien, Pakis urang, Paku manis, Paku payung, Paku tunjuk langit, Pantjar bumi, Musitop, Sam dat, Tapak chalak, Tungkod-langit

Synonyms

Osmunda zeylanica L.;