Asplenium nidus
Asplenium nidus
Safety & Hazards
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ]. 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[ 172 Title Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. Publication Author Schofield. J. J. Publisher Alaska Northwest Books; Alaska Year 2003 ISBN 0882403699 Description A nice guide to some useful plants in that area. ].
Botanical Description
Asplenium nidus is an evergreen, epiphytic fern with a short rhizome and large leaves that can be 150cm long and 20cm wide[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ]. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is commonly grown as an ornamental in the tropics and is used as a decoration for wedding fiestas and the religious rituals in Guam known as Novena[ 354 Title Plants of Guam Publication Author Moore P.H. & McMakin P. Website http://university.uog.edu/cals/people/POG/scipn.htm Publisher University of Guam. Year 1979 ISBN Description Brief details, usually with a photo, of plants native to the island of Guam, often together with some information on their uses. An online version is available. ].