Common Name:

General Information

Adiantum caudatum is an evergreen, perennial fern producing fronds up to 60cm tall from a shortly-creeping rhizome. The fronds are arching to semi-prostrate, forming roots at their apex from which a new plant develops[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is also grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.

Habitat

Common in thickets in the Philippines[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fronds are said to be antiasthmatic, antispasmodic[]. They are used in the treatment of diabetes, coughs, fevers and migraine[, , ].
The fronds are used externally to treat skin diseases[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores.
Division of new plants formed at the apex of the fronds[].

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