Marsileaceae FAMILY

Marsilea mutica

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

0/5

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. ]. The sporocarps of this species also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of vitamin B1. 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. Fairly resistant to heat, the quantity of enzyme can be greatly reduced by thoroughly drying or cooking the plant[ 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. , 286 Title Flora of Australia Publication Author Website http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/abif/flora/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The full information from the Flora of Australia - on-line. An excellent resource. ].

Botanical Description

Marsilea mutica is a Fern up to 0.90 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate; tropical

Native RangeAustralia - Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, southern Tasmania, Northern Territories

HabitatEdges of ponds and lagoons, on river banks and in deep water[ 265 Title Flora of the Sydney Region Publication Author Carolin. R. & Tindale. M. Publisher Reed. Australia. Year 1993 ISBN 0730104001 Description Concise flora with little beyond an extensive key, species descriptions, very brief habitat description. ]. Shallow water in seasonally wet habitats[ 286 Title Flora of Australia Publication Author Website http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/abif/flora/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The full information from the Flora of Australia - on-line. An excellent resource. ].