Potato fern, Horseshoe fern, King fern
Ptisana salicina

Family: Marattiaceae

What it is like

A large fern. The fronds are large and arch over. Plants can be 4 m high and 2 m wide. The leaf divisions are long and 2.5 cm wide. There are a double row of spore bodies on each side of the veins underneath. There are horse hoof shaped bodies near where the frond breaks off from the thick starchy roots. These are edible.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits the warm humid tropics and subtropics. They need deep, rich, well drained soil. They need a shady and damp location. It is usually on clay soils. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island, Pacific, Polynesia, Tahiti

How it is used for food

The storage bodies or roots are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Root tubers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by planting the fattened storage organs near the base of the leaf. These growths look like ears. They need to be planted in a well lit, warm, humid position.

Its other names

Local names

Giant fern, Para, Paratawhiti, Uwhi

Synonyms

Marattia salicina Sm.; This African plant has been confused with Marattia oreades