Botrychium virginianum

An evergreen fern reaching 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) tall with year-round foliage. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Adapts to semi-shade or full light and prefers consistently moist conditions.

Description

A large succulent fern. It has stems up to 50 cm tall. The sterile blade in thin and triangle shaped and 15 cm long. The spore sacs have long stalks.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: This large succulent fern is boiled and eaten in the Himalayas. The report does not say which part of the plant is used, though it is probably the root.

Traditional Uses

The plant is boiled and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Diaphoretic Emetic Expectorant Pectoral Poultice A poultice or lotion made from the roots is applied to snakebites, bruises, cuts and sores. A tea made from the roots is emetic, induces sweating and is expectorant. It is used in the treatment of lung ailments.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase.

Distribution

It grows in rich lowland forest in Canada.

Where It Grows

Alaska, Asia, Austria, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europe, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Himalayas, Honduras, Hungary, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Romania, Russia, Siberia, South America, Sweden Switzerland, Tibet, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Yugoslavia,

Cultivation

Botrychium virginianum is a plant mainly found in the temperate zone, but also found in subtropical and tropical areas through central America to S. America. Prefers a sandy loam with just a small portion of peat. Requires sharp drainage. Best grown in an open position. Plants can be difficult to establish. The prothalli (young plants formed when the spores germinate) of this plant form a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus, similar to the association of orchid seedlings with an invading fungus. Unlike most species of ferns, the fronds of this species grow up straight and not curled inward, crozier fashion. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Spores - best surface sown as soon as they are ripe in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Placing the pot in a plastic bag helps to maintain a humid atmosphere which promotes germination and growth. Prick out small clumps into pots when they are large enough to handle and keep moist until established. Grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter and plant out in late spring. Division. It is best not to try and disturb this plant.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 25-40 Botrychium species.

Synonyms

References (8)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 79
• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 111
• Islam, M., 1983, Utilisation of Certain Ferns and Fern Allies in the North-Eastern Region, India. J.Econ. Tax. Bot. Vol.4.No.3 pp 861-
• Kew Plants of the World Online
• Marinelli, J. (Ed), 2004, Plant. DK. p 316

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