Some authorities recognize this species as Sphaeropteris myosuroides[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cyathea myosuroides is an evergreen tree fern with a stem up to 3 metres tall crowned by a rosette of leaves up to 2.5 metres long[].
The spores are sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use.

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

Central America - Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico. Also found in Cuba

Habitat

Open woods, on slopes and along streams at elevations from sea level to 400 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of mainly lowland areas in the tropics, though it can be found at elevations up to 1,000 metres or more.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The spores are styptic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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