Stenochlaena mildbraedii Brause, (treated here as a synonym) is recognised by some authors as a second, distinct representative of the genus in Africa. It is distinguished by its pinnate fertile leaves as compared to the bipinnate fertile leaves of Stenochlaena tenuifolia. However, several authors have noticed the presence of both forms in a single collection (although it could not be established with certainty whether these parts originated from one individual). Electron microscope studies of the spores of the two leaf types confirmed that they are identical[].

Common Name: African Climbing Fern

General Information

African climbing fern is a large fern with a straggling and climbing rhizome that can be up to 20 metres long and 15mm in diameter; it can growing high up into the surrounding trees. The leathery leaves can be up to 180cm long, with pinnate sterile leaves up to 100cm long. The rather coarse, pinnate fronds are widely spaced and quickly cover large areas[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, DR Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, S. Africa, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius.

Habitat

Coastal swamp forest[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A very adaptable plant, able to grow in full sun even though deep to moderate shade are its normal habitat[]. Plants can succeed in moist soils as well as the wetter conditions they usually grow in[]. Prefers an acid soil[].
The plant was introduced to Florida, where it is now considered to be a weed[].

Edible Uses

Young fronds, known as croziers or fiddleheads, are eaten[].

Medicinal

The sap is taken with a ripe banana as an aphrodisiac[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Stenochlaena tenuifolia can be used as ground cover[]. An excellent ground cover for positions that are too wet and shaded for other plants, able to quickly cover large areas[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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