Alsophila smithii
(Hook.f.) R. M. Tryon
Soft tree fern
Cyatheaceae Edible: Shoots, Heart
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(c) André Richard Chalmers, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
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(c) Brownsey, Pat, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) André Richard Chalmers, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Summary
Source: WikipediaAlsophila smithii, synonym Cyathea smithii, commonly known as the soft tree fern or kātote, is a species of tree fern from New Zealand.
Description
A tree fern.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The pith was traditionally used as a starch source, but as it is rich in resin, it would likely be a food of last resort or at least an acquired taste. Tree fern trunks have been used as rough building material, fencing, and makeshift trackwork.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
New Zealand*,
Synonyms
Cyathea smithii Hook.f.and others
Also Known As
Katote
References (1)
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 113
