Palm leaf fern
Blechnum cordatum

Family: Blechnaceae

What it is like

A medium sized fern. It grows 0.5-1.5 m tall. It has a creeping rhizome. It forms spreading patches. The fronds are erect or arch over. They are dark green. The segments are sword shaped and the edges wavy. The tip is drawn out to a long point. The fertile segments are carried on separate erect fronds. These are more narrow than the sterile ones.

There are between 150 and 200 Blechnum species. Blechnum capense (L.) Schlechtend. in Flora Zambesiaca.

Where it is found

In Australia it grows on Lord Howe Island. It suits moist protected situations. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 2,225 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Chile, Colombia, East Africa, Ecuador, Eswatini, Falklands, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Malawi, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pacific, Paraguay, Peru, Polynesia, SE Asia, South Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

It is used in pickles.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division of the rhizome or from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Kiokio, Loplop, Pakis daun palem

Synonyms

Blechnum capense Burm. f.; Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett.; Blechnum sylvaticum Schelpe; Lomaria procera sensu Sim; and several others