Alsophila cuspidata

(Kunze) D. S. Conant.

Cyatheaceae Edible: Rhizomes, Leaves 50 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Alsophila cuspidata, synonym Cyathea cuspidata, is a widespread species of tree fern native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical rain forest up to the montane zone, as well as in open sites, on riverbanks and cleared pastureland at an altitude of 0–800 m. Its natural distribution covers Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, the Amazon Basin, Brazil and French Guiana. This species often has multiple trunks, which may be 15 m tall and about 10 cm in diameter. They are covered in black spines and together form a medium-sized, feathery clump. Fronds are bipinnate and 2–3 m long. The rachis and stipe are brown to dark brown and are covered with scales. The scales are bicoloured, having a dark brown to blackish centre and a pale, whitish margin. Pinnule veins sometimes have small, brown, star-shaped scales. Sori are round and form on either side of the pinnule midvein. They are covered by globose indusia. In cultivation, A. cuspidata should be provided with high humidity and warm temperatures. It should not be exposed to frost.

Description

A tropical tree fern in the Cyatheaceae family with edible rhizomes and leaves.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The rhizomes are grated and boiled. Both rhizomes and leaves are edible portions.

Traditional Uses

The rhizomes are grated and boiled.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South America,

Synonyms

Cyathea cuspidata KunzeCyathea hassleriana ChristCyathea hassleriana var. rojasii Hassl.Cyathea oxyacantha SodiroCyathea oyapoka JenmanCyathea punctifera ChristNephelea cuspidata (Kunze) R.M. Tryon

Also Known As

Aa pa'chi, Pesijeca

References (3)

Barfod, A. S. & Kvist, L. P., 1996, Comparative Ethnobotanical Studies of the Amerindian Groups in Coastal Ecuador. The Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters. p 80 (As Nephelea cuspidata)
Kew Plants of the World On line
Torre, de la L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 125