Asplenium trichomanes is often circumscribed as a collective species consisting of various cytotypes (six distinct taxa are known from central and souther Europe, for example). These taxa, which for convenience are often recognized at the subspecific level, are reproductively isolated (producing sterile hybrids when growing together)[]. Different authors have treated them in different ways, but they can all be used interchangeably. Where known, we have included these names in the list of synonyms[].

Common Name: Maidenhair Spleenwort

General Information

Asplenium trichomanes is an evergreen fern with fronds up to 30cm long growing from a short and erect or ascending to creeping rhizome[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local us as a tea and medicine.

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

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Range

Most temperate regions of the world, including Britain, mountains in the Tropics.

Habitat

Walls and crevices of mainly basic rocks[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.25 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant widely spread through the temperate zone, it is also found at higher elevations in some areas of the tropics. Plants are hardy to about -30°c[].
Requires a well-drained position and lots of old mortar rubble in the soil[]. Requires a humid atmosphere and some shade[, ]. A good plant for growing on a shady part of an old dry-stone or brick wall[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The dried fronds have been used as a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

A tea made from the fronds is sweet, demulcent, expectorant and laxative[, ]. It has been used in the treatment of chest complaints[] and to promote menstruation[].

Considered a laxative and anthelmintic. The leaves are sweet, mucilaginous, and are an expectorant highly useful in the treatment of pulmonary disorders[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. The spores usually germinate in the spring[]. Spring sown spores germinate in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse. Keep the plants humid until they are well established. Once the plants are 15cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring.

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