Arthromeris wallichiana

At a glance

Exposure: Full shade
Frost limit: −17.8 °C

Cultivation

Tolerates short periods of drought and direct sunlight, but it prefers bright filtered light. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring.

Edible uses

Tender young fronds - cooked. Used as a vegetable.

Medicinal uses

The root is antiseptic. A paste of the roots is applied as a poultice to wounds and boils.

Habitat

Shady places on mossy tree trunks, thick branches and rocks, at elevations of 1300 - 2800 metres in Nepal.

Native range

E. Asia - Nepal to China.