Common Name:

General Information

Lygodium microphyllum is an evergreen, scrambling, climbing fern with a wide, creeping rhizome[]. All species of the genus have an elongate 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 sometimes gathered from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and for making baskets, hats etc. 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

,

Range

Widespread in the tropics of Africa and Asia.

Habitat

Edge of secondary forest or as a climber on woody plants, bushes or on branches of tall trees, usually on dry slopes in open areas[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	10.00 m
Self-fertile	Yes
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[].
An aggressive invasive weed of moist habitats in Florida[]. This rapidly spreading weed colonizes new areas without the need of habitat disturbance and frequently completely dominates native vegetation[]. It climbs and blankets other vegetation, ultimately causing mortality to mature canopy and subcanopy trees. Sometimes it covers other vegetation so completely that it is not possible to see other plants beneath it. Near the ground surface, a thick mat of old and new fronds also forms, ultimately smothering and stifling native plants including herbs and tree seedlings that would ordinarily maintain the forest canopy if allowed to mature[]. The plant forms dense mats of rachis plant material. These thick, spongy mats are slow to decompose, exclude native understory plants, and can act as a site for additional fern colonization. It is difficult for other plant species to grow through the dense mat made by this fern, thereby reducing plant diversity[]. Large expanses of fern material also may alter drainage and water movement. The presence of the plant as a weed outside its native range is significantly correlated to hydrology, coinciding with a wet, but not permanently inundated environment. In addition, its coverage is greatest in a low-light under-story environment, where it has been shown to establish and eventually dominate[].

Edible Uses

Very young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of dysentery[].
The leaves are applied externally as a poultice in the treatment of skin diseases and swellings[].

Other Uses

The stems are used for making hats and bags[]. They are also used to make baskets and can be used as a tying material[, ].
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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