Bird’s nest fern is an evergreen, epiphytic fern with a short rhizome and large leaves that can be 150cm long and 20cm wide
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild as a local food source. It is commonly grown as an ornamental in the tropics.
Range
East tropical Africa, through tropical Asia to northern Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Habitat
An epiphytic plant, sometimes growing on rocks, at elevations from sea level to 1,200 meters
Cultivation Details
A plant of moist areas in the tropics.
Requires a shady position and humid conditions[
Edible Uses
Leaves – parboiled and eaten
Ash from the burnt leaves can be used as a salt substitute
Medicinal
The leaves are said to be contraceptive, depurative and sedative, It is used in the treatment of chest pains
It is used externally for the treatment of stings and bites
Propagation
Seed -Division.
