Food Plants International

159
Names
English: Fern Scientific name: Callipteris prolifera (Lam.)Bory
Tok pisin: Kumugras Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Aspleniaceae, Athyriaceae
Description: A fern with a tufted,
woody, black rhizome covered with
black scales. The trunk is short. The
plant forms rounded clumps. The stem
of the fronds is triangular in cross
section. It is spiny. The fronds are erect
and up to 2 m long. They arch over.
They are fleshy and pale green. The
leaflets are in one row with the base
ending abruptly. These leaflets are
curved and with a scalloped edge. The
top end has a tail.
The spore or fruit spots are brown in double rows between the ribs. The spore groups are
arranged in long V shaped pairs under the fronds. Small plantlets often grow along the fronds on
the upper half.
Distribution: It occurs in the tropical lowlands. It likes hot humid places. It occurs in East and
West New Britain and Manus in Papua New Guinea. It often grows along creeks. It grows in
rainforest. The fronds are brittle and easily damaged by the wind. It can grow in shady places.
Cultivation: It can be grown from the small plantlets on the fronds. It is best to grow it in soil,
in gardens. It can be grown from spores.
Production:
Use: The fronds are edible.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible
part
Leaves
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Moisture
%
Energy
KJ
Protein
g
Calcium
mg
Iron
mg
proVit A
µg
proVit C
mg
Importance: A commonly used fern in New Britain and Manus in Papua New Guinea.
Zinc
mg