Common Name:

General Information

Lygodium flexuosum is a slender, evergreen, climbing fern with a short-creeping rhizome[]. All species of the genus have an elongated climbing rachis (leaf stem) that has the capacity for indefinite growth, often reaching lengths of several metres. It twines around other plants for support, often climbing up from the shade into a sunny position[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use and for its stems, which are used in basketry. The plant is also grown as an ornamental, being valued especially for its ability to quickly cover unsightly structures and providing shade for other plants[].

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

E. Asia - China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, northern Australia.

Habitat

Open places, climbing on shrubs, in teak and bamboo forest, in low country and up to elevations of 1,000 metres, not in shady evergreen forest[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The roots can be planted in a shady position, allowing the plant to climb up into the sun[]. Prefers a neutral to slightly acid soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used as an expectorant[].

Fresh rootstocks are applied externally as a treatment for rheumatism, sprains, scabies, eczema, and cut wounds, and are reported to be particularly useful for carbuncles[].

Other Uses

The stem is used for tying rice sheaves[].

Splints prepared from the stems are used in the manufacture of baskets, hats, and fancy boxes[]. The splints can be combined with buri (Corypha spp.) or some other fibre to make various fancy articles such as cigarette cases or pocketbooks. The effect is very pleasing, particularly when the plant stem is black[].

Propagation

Spores.
Division.
Serpentine layering. An actively growing frond is pinned down onto the soil surface at each node, where it may root and shoot out as a new plant[].

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