Common Name:

General Information

Dryopteris athamantica is a perennial fern with a creeping rhizome up to 25mm in diameter[]. The fronds grow up to 37cm tall[].
The plant is harvested 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

Tropical Africa, south to S. Africa.

Habitat

Around boulder-bases in grassland and about forest margins at elevations of 1,200 - 2,135 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The rhizome is anthelmintic[]. The powdered rhizome is used to rid the body of tapeworms[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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