Whisk fern, Reed fern
Psilotum nudum

Family: Psilotaceae

What it is like

A naked herb without roots. The stems are like chickens feet. It grows 60 cm long. It can be erect or hang down. It can grow attached to other plants. It has creeping rhizomes.

There are 2 Psilotum species. They grow throughout the tropics. It probably has anti-bacteria properties.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In the tropics it grows from sea level to 1,300 m in Guatemala. If growing in soil it is best in a slightly acid soil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It can grow on wet mossy rocks and the base of coconuts. It grows on atolls.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Central America, China, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, Kiribati, Korea, Maldives, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Pacific, Paraguay, Polynesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South America, St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Wallis and Futuna

How it is used for food

The whole plant is used to make tea.

Edible parts

Plant - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Baan, Fakalaga-laga, Fale 'o te kimoa, Ibiribir, Lumi ni veikau, Moa, Rubbudufilaa, Sai, Skeleton fork fern, Te kimarawa, Toa vao

Synonyms

Psilotum triquetrum Sw.;