Food Plants International

141
Names
English: Scientific name: Cyathea lunulata (J.Forster) Copeland
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Alsophila lunulata R.Br.;
Tok ples: Balabala Plant family: Cyatheaceae
Description: A large tree fern. The trunk is erect and
can be 8-10 m high. The fronds are divided 3 times.
They can be 6 m long.
Distribution: It grows in tropical and subtropical
locations. They grow from sea level to 100 m altitude.
They grow in the rainforest.
Cultivation:
Production:
Use: The young fronds are eaten in times of scarcity.
The white pith of the stem is cooked in an earth oven and eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible
part
Leaves
Pith
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Moisture
%
Energy
KJ
Importance: A famine food.
Protein
g
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Zinc
mg