Vegetable fern
Diplazium cordifolium

Family: Athyriaceae

What it is like

A fern with a tufted rhizome covered with brown or black scales. It has a tufted rootstock. The fronds are up to 50 cm long and 12 cm wide and stick straight up. The fronds are entire and not divided. They are long and thin and rounded at the base. The tip comes to a point. The spore bodies are long and narrow and can be straight or curved.

There are about 300-600 Diplazium species. They have also been put in the families Aspleniaceae and Athyriaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in small areas of the tropical rainforest. It is temperature sensitive needing a minimum temperature over 10°C. It likes a moist protected situation. It suits a shady position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Vietnam ?

How it is used for food

The fronds have been recorded as eaten.

A minor food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Frond, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from spores.

Its other names

Local names

Pakis sayur

Synonyms

Athyrium cordifolium (Bl.) Copel;