Maile-scented fern, Wart fern
Microsorum scolopendria

Family: Polypodiaceae

What it is like

This fern has a rhizome which is long and creeping. The fern grows to 65 cm high. The rhizome is fleshy, green and up to 8 mm across. It is sparsely covered with light brown scales. The fronds are light green and up to 10-60 cm long and 25-30 cm wide. The base of the frond is swollen. They have a variable number of lobes which are 4-15 cm long. The sori are 2-3 mm across and situated near the mid vein. They form 2 or 3 rows on each side of the rib. Some kinds have a vanilla-like smell when crushed.

There are about 60 Microsorum species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is a hardy tropical species often found on trees or rocks in protected places near the edges of rainforest. It grows up to 2,100 m above sea level. It suits humid locations. They are frost tender. It grows best in light shade. It can tolerate wind and some salt spray.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Caroline Islands, Chuuk, East Africa, Fiji, FSM, Guam, Hawaii, Indonesia, Kiribati, Micronesia, Mozambique, Nauru, Niue, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Rhizome, fronds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores or division of the rhizome. They are easily grown or transplanted.

Its other names

Local names

Fiso vao, Laua'e, Pakis ular, Paku wangi, See-see, Te keang, Wennumey

Synonyms

Microsorum grossum (Langsdorff & F.E.L.Fischer) S.B. Andrews; Phymatosorus grossus (Langsdorff & F.E.L.Fischer) Brownlie; Phymatosorus scopelandria (N.L. Burman) Pichi Sermolli; Polypodium grossum Langsdorff & F.E.L. Fischer; Polypodium phymatodes Linnaeus; Polypodium scolopendria N.L.Burman;