Blechnum cordatum
(Desv.) Hieron
Palm leaf fern
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Description
A medium sized fern. It grows 0.5-1.5 m tall. It has a creeping rhizome. It forms spreading patches. The fronds are erect or arch over. They are dark green. The segments are sword shaped and the edges wavy. The tip is drawn out to a long point. The fertile segments are carried on separate erect fronds. These are more narrow than the sterile ones.
Edible Uses
The fronds and leaves are used in pickles.
Traditional Uses
It is used in pickles.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
In Australia it grows on Lord Howe Island. It suits moist protected situations. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 2,225 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Chile, Colombia, East Africa, Ecuador, Eswatini, Falklands, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Malawi, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pacific, Paraguay, Peru, Polynesia, SE Asia, South Africa, South America*, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by division of the rhizome or from spores.
Notes
There are between 150 and 200 Blechnum species. Blechnum capense (L.) Schlechtend. in Flora Zambesiaca.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Kiokio, Loplop, Pakis daun palem
References (8)
- Brooker, 1986, (As Blechnum capense)
- Brooker, et al (As Blechnum capense)
- Crowe 1981, (As Blechnum capense)
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 327 (As Blechnum capense)
- Kew Plants of the World Online
Show all 8 references Hide references
- Leon-Lobos, P. et al, 2022, Patterns of Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Edible Native Plants of Chile: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Plants 2022, 11, 744 (As Blechnum chilense)
- Swaziland's Flora Database http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora (As Blechnum capense)
- Upson, R., & Lewis R., 2014, Updated Vascular Plant Checklist and Atlas for the Falkland Islands. Falklands Conservation and Kew.
