Para
Marattia fraxinea

Family: Marattiaceae

What it is like

A large fern. The fronds come out from the base. They are 2 m long. The leaflets are sword shaped and 10-12 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. The midribs are brown and have whitish stripes.

There are about 40 Marattia species. They occur in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Swaziland if occurs in the high veld only. In Nigeria it occurs at 1,400-1,600 m above sea level. It grows along stream banks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Eswatini, Gabon, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Nigeria, Pacific, Polynesia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, West Africa

How it is used for food

The starch in the swollen stems has been used as food.

Edible parts

Fern starch

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kimpekempeke

Synonyms

Marattia fraxinea var. salicifolia (Schrad.) C. Chr.; Marattia microcarpa Mett.; Marattia robusta Alston; Marattia salicifolia Schrad.; Marattia sorbifolia Sw.; Myriotheca fraxinea (Sm.) Poir.; Myriotheca fraxinifolia Bory; Myriotheca sorbifolia Bory;