Pugjik
Alsophila spinulosa

Family: Cyatheaceae

What it is like

A tree fern. The trunk is 5 m high and 15 cm across. The fronds are divided 3 times. They are 2-3 m long.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in forests between 600-1800 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The soft watery pith is eaten. It is the starch in the stem that is used as flour in cakes or mixed with other foods. Young shoots are used for pickles.

Edible parts

Pith, stem - starch, shoots, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chattre, Chatte niguro, Motanam, Rukh uniyu, Se eng, Thulo uniyu

Synonyms

Alsophila decipiens J. Scott ex Bedd.; Alsophila spinulosa (Wallich ex H. J. Hooker) Tryon; Cyathea decipiens (Scott) C. B. Clarke & Baker; Cyathea boninsimensis (Christ ex Diels) Copeland; Cyathea fauriei (Christ) Copeland; Cyathea taiwaniana Nakai;