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vegetable fern

Scientific Name: Diplazium esculentum

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Vegetable Fern (Diplazium esculentum)

The vegetable fern, scientifically known as Diplazium esculentum, is a commonly consumed edible fern found throughout Asia and Oceania. It is also known as fiddlehead fern when referring to the young, furled fronds harvested for consumption.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant grows from tightly wound, disc-shaped fronds.
  • Keep moist at all times, which may encourage pets to investigate.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant grows from tightly wound, disc-shaped fronds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Diplazium esculentum
  • Common Names: Vegetable fern, fiddlehead fern, lungru (in North India and Nepal), pako (in the Philippines)
  • Synonym: Anisogonium esculentum
  • Family: Dryopteridaceae
  • Class: Polypodiopsida
  • Genus: Diplazium
  • Group: Fern

Distribution and Habitat

The vegetable fern is native to East, Southeast, and South Asia, as well as Oceania. In North India and Nepal, it is found in hilly areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a perennial forb/herb.
  • It has edible fronds that are harvested in the early spring as fiddleheads.
  • There are over 10,000 species of ferns with heights that varying from a few millimeters to several meters.
  • It prefers a cool, shaded position and needs to be kept moist.

Uses

  • The young fronds (fiddleheads) are harvested as a vegetable.
  • Both fresh and boiled leaves have antioxidative properties.
  • It is eaten as a local delicacy in North India and Nepal, where it is known as lungru.
  • It is eaten raw or cooked in the Philippines, where it is known as pako.
  • It can be used as a decorative fern for cool, shaded positions.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Diplazium esculentum.
  • Information can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.
  • Stock photos are available from Fotolia and Shutterstock.
  • More information can be found on Wikipedia and English Wiktionary.
  • View stock photos at Gettys.