Cyathea microdonta
(Desv.) Domin
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Description
A temperate tree fern with edible starch extracted from its pith. It serves as a famine food in its native region.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The pith starch is eaten.
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 temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Andes, Bolivia, Central America, Guianas, Mexico, South America, Venezuela,
Other Information
It is a famine food.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Tasi
References (1)
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 287
