Diplazium esculentum

(Retzius) Swartz

J. Bot. (Schrader) 1801(2): 312. 1803.

Common names: Vegetable fern
Introduced
Basionym: Hemionitis esculenta Retzius Observ. Bot. 6: 38. 1791
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 2.

Stems erect; scales brown, linear-lanceolate, margins dentate. Petiole 30–60 cm. Blade ovate, 2-pinnate to 2-pinnate-pinnatifid, 50–100 × 15–50 cm, base ± narrowed, apex abruptly acuminate. Pinnae 1-pinnate to 1-pinnate-pinnatifid. Pinnules oblong, base ± truncate, ± auriculate, apex acuminate, incised or lobed halfway to costule. Veins pinnate, anastomosing. Sori elongate, single or double, indusiate; indusia vaulted, thin, erose. 2n = 82.


Habitat: Moist soil near stream
Elevation: 0 m

Distribution

V2 262-distribution-map.gif

Introduced; Fla., La., se Asia, Africa.

Discussion

Originally a tropical Eastern Hemisphere species, Diplazium esculentum is introduced in North America. This fern is used as a vegetable in eastern and southeastern Asia.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.