Woodwardia unigemmata

(Makino) Nakai

Blechnaceae Edible: Rhizome - starch, Root 1,422 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Woodwardia unigemmata is a species of evergreen fern in the family Aspleniaceae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name jewelled chain fern. It is native to Assam, China (North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast), East and West Himalaya, Japan, Java, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Tibet, and Vietnam. Growing to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8.2 ft) broad, it bears pinnately-divided fronds which emerge red and turn green when mature. It occurs in areas of high rainfall. This plant is grown as an ornamental, and in the UK has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is an imposing architectural subject which is thought to be hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F). However it requires a sheltered position in well-cultivated, reliably moist soil.

Description

A tropical fern in the Blechnaceae family with a starch-rich rhizome used in traditional food preparation.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The starch extracted from the rhizome is used to make cakes and noodles.

Traditional Uses

The starch in the rhizome is used for cakes and noodles.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, SE Asia, Vietnam,

Synonyms

Woodwardia radicans var. unigemmata Makino

Also Known As

Ding ya gou ji

References (2)

Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 86
Liu, Y., et al, 2012, Food uses of ferns in China: a review. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 84(4): 263-270