Walking maidenhair, Trailing maidenhair
Adiantum caudatum

Family: Pteridaceae

What it is like

A fern. It grows 10-40 cm tall. It has a short erect rhizome covered with scales. The stalk from the rootstock to the leaf blade is 1-15 cm long. It has brown hairs. The leaves are narrow and have leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 8-35 cm long by 2-4 cm wide and there are 20-44 pairs of leaflets. These become smaller towards the top.

Also put in the family Adiantaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on rocks and in rock crevices including limestone. In China it grows in forests and mountain valleys. It grows in shaded places. In Thailand it grows up to 1,000 m above sea level. It needs to be kept moist. It suits hardiness zone 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from plantlets on the tips of the fronds. It can be grown from spores, rhizomes or division of the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Chakawkria, Slender maiden hair, Suplir berekor, Voanjonala

Synonyms

Adiantum caudatum var. angustilobatum Bonap.; Adiantum lyratum Blanco;