Adiantum caudatum
L.
Walking maidenhair, Trailing maidenhair
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAdiantum caudatum, commonly walking maidenhair, tailed maidenhair, trailing maidenhair is a fern in the genus Adiantum and the family Pteridaceae.
Description
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.
Edible Uses
The fronds and leaves are edible.
Medicinal Uses
The fronds are said to be antiasthmatic, antispasmodic. They are used in the treatment of diabetes, coughs, fevers and migraine. The fronds are used externally to treat skin diseases.
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 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.
Where It Grows
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,
Cultivation
It can be grown from plantlets on the tips of the fronds. It can be grown from spores, rhizomes or division of the clump.
Propagation
Spores. Division of new plants formed at the apex of the fronds.
Notes
Also put in the family Adiantaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Chakawkria, Slender maiden hair, Suplir berekor, Voanjonala
References (3)
- Lalfakzuala, R., 2007, Ethnobotanical usages of plants in western Mizoram. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol 6(3) pp 480-493
- Sukarya, D. G., (Ed.) 2013, 3,500 Plant Species of the Botanic Gardens of Indonesia. LIPI p 851
- www.eFloras.org Flora of China
