Kumugras, fern
Callipteris prolifera

Family: Athyriaceae

What it is like

A fern with a tufted, woody, black rhizome covered with black scales. The trunk is short. The plant forms rounded clumps. The stem of the fronds is triangular in cross section. It is spiny. The fronds are erect and up to 2 m long. They arch over. They are fleshy and pale green. The leaflets are in one row with the base ending abruptly. These leaflets are curved and with a scalloped edge. The top end has a tail. The spore or fruit spots are brown in double rows between the ribs. The spore groups are arranged in long V shaped pairs under the fronds. Small plantlets often grow along the fronds on the upper half.

There are 3 Callipteris species. Also put in the family Aspleniaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in the tropical lowlands. It likes hot humid places. It occurs in East and West New Britain and Manus in Papua New Guinea. It often grows along creeks. It grows in rainforest. The fronds are brittle and easily damaged by the wind. It can grow in shady places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The fronds are edible.

A commonly used fern in New Britain and Manus in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

It can be grown from the small plantlets on the fronds. It is best to grow it in soil, in gardens. It can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Ubuga

Synonyms

Asplenium proliferum Lam.; Asplenium decussatum Sw.; Diplazium accedens Bl; Athyrium accedens (Bl.) Milde; Diplazium proliferum var. accedens (Bl.) v. Ald. v. Ros.;