Common Name:

General Information

Microsorum punctatum is a very widespread and variable, evergreen fern growing from a short-creeping rhizome with roots very densely set and forming a thick mat; it forms in time a large cluster of fronds that can range from 10 - 175cm long and 8 - 15cm wide[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental (there are several named forms) and can be grown as a house plant where it can tolerate considerable neglect[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Widespread in tropics and subtropics of Africa, India, southern China, through southeast Asia to New Guinea and the Pacific

Habitat

Usually epiphytic, sometimes epilithic or terrestrial, growing in shady or more exposed places, often along streams but also in drier areas, in various types of primary and secondary, evergreen and deciduous forest; at elevations up to 2,200 metres[]

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The leaves are used as decorations in Guam for the religious rituals known as Novenas[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaf and rhizomes are commonly used as an ingredient in the all-purpose medicinal combinations of local curers in Guam[].

Warmed with alcohol and applied on the arms and legs, the plant (part not specified) is used as a treatment for rheumatism in some areas of North Vietnam[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores -

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