Angiopteris evecta
Angiopteris evecta
Safety & Hazards
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[1]. 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[2].
Cultivation Details
A plant of the moister lowland tropics, in areas of very high rainfall[1]. Requires a moist, humus rich soil and a position in moderate to deep shade[1]. Requires an acid soil[1]. The plant has a massive rhizome that can be up to 1 metre in diameter[1].
Propagation
Spores. A mycorrhizal association is believed to be necessary for germination. The spores should be either sown on soil obtained from around the roots of an established plant, or the spores should be sown around the base of a plant[1]. Division of offsets - these are produced at the base of the ligules. Use a sharp knife and cut them from close to the rhizome of the parent plant and half bury them in a 50/50 mix of moist peat and sand. Keep in a moist environment (such as a closed frame) until buds and then roots and shoots develop, which c take several months. Pot each plant up in its entirity and plant out when fully established. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-19. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Angiopteris+evecta>
Pollinators
Data unavailable
References
- [1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- [2]Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. — Schofield. J. J. · Alaska Northwest Books; Alaska · 2003 · ISBN 0882403699 ↩︎A nice guide to some useful plants in that area.
- [3]Dictionary of Economic Plants. — Uphof. J. C. Th. · Weinheim · 1959 · ISBN - ↩︎An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.