Vegetable fern (Diplazium esculentum, “J. Bot. (Schrader) 1801(1,2):312. 1803-1804 (“”1803″”)”)

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: Sw. (Retz.)

Bibliography: “J. Bot. (Schrader) 1801(1,2):312. 1803-1804 (“”1803″”)”

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Diplazium

Vegetable: True

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to SW. Pacific

Description

Vegetable fern, scientifically known as Diplazium esculentum, is a remarkable plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia extending to the southwestern Pacific. Renowned for its adaptability, the vegetable fern thrives in a variety of habitats ranging from dense forests to riverbanks, often flourishing in damp, shady environments.

Belonging to the family Aspleniaceae, Diplazium esculentum exhibits typical fern-like characteristics with its lush, green fronds that are both visually appealing and beneficial to human diets. The fronds are tender and edible, making them a popular ingredient in various culinary traditions within its native range. The young, tender shoots, often referred to as “fiddleheads” due to their coiled appearance, are especially favored for their delicate texture and mild flavor.

The vegetable fern has been documented since the early 19th century, with its botanical description first appearing in “J. Bot. (Schrader) 1801(1,2):312. 1803-1804 (“1803″)”, where detailed observations were made by Sw. (Retz.). These comprehensive early works played a vital role in understanding the plant’s characteristics and its potential as a food source.

Cultivation and harvesting of Diplazium esculentum are straightforward, requiring minimal intervention once the plant has been established. It’s often grown in garden beds or along the edges of water bodies where it can readily access moisture. The fern is not only celebrated for its culinary uses but also appreciated for its contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem health, supporting a variety of other plant and animal species within its habitat.

In summary, the vegetable fern stands out as a vital plant both in kind and utility. Its edible fronds offer nutritional benefits, while its presence in the ecosystem helps maintain environmental balance. Whether cultivated in home gardens or harvested from the wild, Diplazium esculentum continues to be an essential resource across its native regions, celebrated for its versatility and resilience.

Common Names

Eng: vegetable fern
Ind: paku-sayur
En: Vegetable fern
Id: Paku-sayur
Ja: Kuware-shida

Synonyms

• Asplenium vitiense (Baker)
• Asplenium malabaricum ((Spreng.) Mett.)
• Callipteris malabarica ((Spreng.) J.Sm.)
• Anisogonium esculentum ((Retz.) C.Presl)
• Athyrium esculentum ((Retz.) Copel.)
• Callipteris serampurensis (Fée)
• Hemionitis incisa (Blanco)
• Diplazium vitiense ((Baker) Carruth.)
• Microstegia serrulata (C.Presl)
• Digrammaria esculenta ((Retz.) Fée)
• Microstegia esculenta ((Retz.) C.Presl)
• Diplazium serampurense (Spreng.)
• Asplenium puberulum (Wall.)
• Anisogonium serampurense (C.Presl)
• Callipteris esculenta ((Retz.) J.Sm.)
• Hemionitis esculenta (Retz.)
• Athyrium ambiguum ((Sw.) Milde)
• Asplenium manilense (Spreng.)
• Callipteris ambigua ((Sw.) T.Moore)
• Athyrium serrulatum (Milde)
• Asplenium esculentum ((Retz.) C.Presl)
• Asplenium moritzii (Mett.)
• Callipteris serrulata (Fée)
• Callipteris esculenta var. pubescens ((Link) Ching)
• Diplazium esculentum var. pubescens ((Link) Tardieu & C.Chr.)
• Gymnogramma edulis (Ces.)
• Anisogonium serrulatum (C.Presl)
• Diplazium manilense ((Spreng. ex Kunze) C.Chr.)
• Microstegia pubescens ((Link) C.Presl)
• Callipteris wallichii (J.Sm.)
• Microstegia ambigua ((Sw.) C.Presl)
• Diplazium malabaricum (Spreng.)
• Asplenium bipinnatum (Roxb.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Shata Juangsar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Shata Juangsar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Shata Juangsar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Marry Grace Gonzales (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Nilanjan Nath (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650858)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17086810-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth