Cyrtomium fortunei
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Genus
- Cyrtomium
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Spread
- 0.4 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.
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[8]. 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[5].
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.
The rhizome is analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antiviral, depurative, febrifuge and haemostatic[2][6][9]. A decoction is used in the treatment of hookworm, tapeworm, ascariasis, filiariasis, acute infectious hepatitis and various bleeding ailments[2]. The decoction is also used as a preventative for influenza and measles[2].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Anthelmintic
- Product or use
- Antibacterial
- Product or use
- Anticoagulant
- Product or use
- Antiviral
- Product or use
- Depurative
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Haemostatic
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
- Habitat
- Thickets in hills and low mountains all over Japan[12]. In China it is found on the sides of ditches and roadways as well as in rocky crevices where it is damp and shady[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
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. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c[3]. 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 or summer[7].
Cultivation
Requires a moderately loose soil, do not firm the soil any more than is necessary[1]. Tolerates a little direct sun but it grows better in the shade[8]. Grows well in a woodland garden[4]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7 but this is not critical[8]. Dislikes too much winter moisture[1]. A very ornamental and hardy plant[1], tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[8]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[10].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Flora of Japan www.foj.info
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00