Food Plants International

137
Names
English: Fern Scientific name: Diplazium asperum Blume
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Athyrium asperum (Bl.) Copel
Tok ples: Plant family: Aspleniaceae
Description: A fern which grows on land, with fronds
3 metres high. The stem is mostly underground and
densely covered with roots. The leaves are crowded
and have long stalks. Leaves can be 3 m long. The leaf
stalk is rough.
Distribution: These ferns mostly occur between 250
and 1500 metres above sea level. They grow best in
humid, moist and lightly shaded places near creeks and
on forest edges.
Cultivation: They grow wild.
Production:
Use: The young, not quite unfolded leaves are eaten cooked.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein
part
Leaves
% KJ g
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Importance: A wild edible leaf eaten occasionally in mid altitude areas of Papua New Guinea.
Zinc
mg