There seems considerable confusion over the correct name for this species. Either there is one, pantropical, species which could be named Dryopteris wallichiana or Dryopteris paleacea according to which botanist you want to believe; or there are two distinct species - in which case the name for the Old World element is Dryopteris wallichiana whilst that for the New World element is either Dryopteris paleacea or Dryopteris parallelogramma[]. We have chosen to go with Dryopteris wallichiana as the correct name for a pantropical species[]. The recorded uses mentioned below are for the New World element (though they almost certainly also apply to the Old World element as well)[].

Common Name:

General Information

Dryopteris wallichiana is an evergreen, perennial fern with leaves 30 - 150cm long borne in a crown[].
The plant is 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

Pantropical and often extending into the warmer temperate regions.

Habitat

Dense forests or thickets, disturbed forests, in moist ravines, on wet, shaded road banks, and at the base of rocks, at elevations from 2,400 - 4,000 metres in Peru[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics, being found at elevations right up to the cloud forests. It needs a cool season to grow well and can tolerate a winter mean temperature as low as 5°c, though it may then be semi-deciduous.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used as an anthelmintic[]. The part is not specified, but is likely to be the root[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores -

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