Slender brake fern
Pteris ensiformis

Family: Pteridaceae

What it is like

A compact fern. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 20-30 cm wide. It has a short creeping rhizome. The fronds are triangle shaped. They are of different lengths. They can be 15-30 cm long. The leaflets at the end are compound with 4-5 pairs of side leaflets cut into 2-6 oval lobes with teeth. Fertile fronds are one and a half times as long as sterile fronds. Some varieties have white or silver markings.

There are about 300 Pteris species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in open moist places at low altitudes in the tropics. In Indonesia it grows up to 750 m above sea level. It grows in damp places including rock crevices and in old stone walls. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Central America, China, East Timor, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Marquesas, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Polynesia, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, USA, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young fronds are steamed and used as flavouring. They are mixed with other vegetables or put in stews. The harvested fronds can be stored for 6-7 days.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores or division.

Its other names

Local names

Dhekia sak, Dhingkha mwigong, Dingkia, Feng wei mao, Hoko-shida, Paku padang, Paku pelandok, Sere, Sir'ia, Slender brake, Sword brake

Synonyms

Pteris crenata;