Cyathea vittata
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Kwa'e bala
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Every-leaf-that-trembles (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Alessandro Cai (OliverZena) (via Wikimedia Commons)
Description
A tree fern. The trunk can be up to 10-20 m tall. The fronds or leaves 4-5 m long. They are divided 3 times. The leaflets or pinnae can be 90 cm long with 30 alternate leaflets. The leaf stalk and trunk are covered with light brown hairs giving the fern a light colour.
Edible Uses
The young leaf shoots and stem heart are cooked and eaten. The stem heart, also called cabbage, is harvested about 2 months after the fronds are cut.
Traditional Uses
The young leaf shoots and stem heart is cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A tropical plant. It occurs in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. It grows in rainforest up to about 800 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Solomon Islands,
Cultivation
Before harvesting the leaves are cut off then about 2 months later the new young leaf heart or cabbage is cut.
Other Information
The stem heart is a moderately commonly used food.
Notes
There are about 800 Cyathea species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Baroto, Kugui, Kwai, Naknei, Qaroto, Reve, Tongnaha sari, Zoku
References (3)
- French, B.R., 2010, Food Plants of Solomon Islands. A Compendium. Food Plants International Inc. p 112
- Henderson, C.P. and I.R.Hancock, 1988, A Guide to the Useful Plants of the Solomon Islands. Res. Dept. Min of Ag. & Lands. Honiara, Solomon Islands. p 96
- Large, M.F., & Braggins, J.E., 2004, Tree Ferns. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, Australia. p 275
