Practical
Plants

Adiantum venustum

an evergreen member of the Adiantum genus in the family Polypodiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Height
0.25 m
Spread
0.3 m

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[6]. 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[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fronds are astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, resolvent and tonic[9] They are used in the treatment of headaches and scorpion stings[2][9]. A paste made from the rhizomes is used in Nepal to treat cuts and wounds[10].

Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Emetic
Product or use
Emmenagogue
Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Resolvent
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This species can be grown as a ground cover plant in a shady position[5], forming a spreading carpet of growth[7].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat
Rock crevices and on forest slopes, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir[2]. Moist, shady, rocky places in Nepal at elevations of 300 - 3,600 metres[10].
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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 them 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 or autumn.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[1]. Prefers an alkaline soil[6]. Requires an acid soil in another report. Plants are quick to establish on peat banks or in rock crevices in light shade or, if the soil is not too dry, under trees[4]. A very ornamental plant, it is nearly hardy in sheltered places in Britain, though is more normally grown in a greenhouse[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1976-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩

  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  8. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  9. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2

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