Potato Fern
Ptisana oreades

Family: Marattiaceae

What it is like

A large ground fern. It grows 1-4 m high. The rootstock is short and creeping and large and fleshy with large roots. The leaf stalk is 50-150 cm long and erect and fleshy. The base is swollen and there are 2 ear like growths. The fronds are 1-4 m long. They are divided 1-3 times into leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are jointed. They are 8-22 cm long by 2.5-3.5 cm wide. They are oblong or sword shaped. They are dark and shiny green above and paler underneath. There are coarse teeth along the edge. It tapers towards the tip. The spore bodies are in oblong clusters.

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

Where it is found

It grows along stream banks in the rainforest. It will grow in cool tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. It needs shade and a well drained soil. It can tolerate light frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The starchy rootstock can be eaten.

Edible parts

Root - starch

How it is grown

It can be grown from the ear like lobes at the base of the fronds. These need to be kept moist and take 12 months to develop new plants.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Marattia oreades Domin.;