Polystichum aculeatum

(L.) Roth.

Christmas fern, Hard shield fern, Prickly shield fern, Kuthiore, Kuthurka

Dryopteridaceae Edible: Leaves, Fronds 5,951 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Polystichum aculeatum, the hard shield-fern, is an evergreen fern native to Europe. It is most abundant in upland regions of the British Isles and western France, where it benefits from the combination of mild winters and moist summers, but also occurs more locally across most of Europe except northern Scandinavia, northern Russia; in the Mediterranean region it is confined to high altitudes. It grows on steep slopes in woodlands. it is sometimes considered an indicator of the presence of ancient woodlands.

Description

A medium sized fern. It grows 60-90 cm high and 30-74 cm wide. The rhizome is tufted. It has broad, arching, vase shaped shuttlecocks. These are formed by the narrow, sword shaped, divided fronds. The fronds are leathery and dark green. They produce clear rows of brown spores underneath.

Edible Uses

This fern is eaten in curries. No further details are recorded, though it is likely the young leaves that are used, possibly the root.

Traditional Uses

The tender parts are used as a vegetable. They are used in curries.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in damp rocky country. In NW China it grows in Picea forests at about 1,900 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

American Samoa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Luxembourg, SE Asia, Tajikistan,

Propagation

Sow spores on the surface of humus-rich sterilized soil as soon as they are ripe, though spring sowing is also possible. Keep the compost moist, preferably by covering the pot with a plastic bag. Pot on small clumps of plantlets once large enough to handle and keep humid until well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old, and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division is best done in spring.

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as ground cover, spaced approximately 60cm apart each way.

Notes

There are about 200 Polystichum species.

Synonyms

Polypodium aculeatum Linn.and others

Also Known As

Pakis perisai keras, Quathode

References (11)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 483
Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 819
Goudey, C.J., 1988, A Handbook of Ferns for Australia and New Zealand. Lothian. p 146
GUPTA,
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 238

Show all 11 references

Islam, M., 1983, Utilisation of Certain Ferns and Fern Allies in the North-Eastern Region, India. J.Econ. Tax. Bot. Vol.4.No.3 pp 861-
Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 336
Mehta, P. S. et al, 2010, Native plant genetic resources and traditional foods of Uttarakhand Himalaya for sustainable food security and livelihood. Indian Journal or Natural products and Resources. Vol 1(1), March 2010 pp 89-96
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Slocum, P.D. & Robinson, P., 1999, Water Gardening. Water Lilies and Lotuses. Timber Press. p 131
www.eFloras.org Flora of China