Common Name:

General Information

Adiantum venustum is a deciduous fern producing a cluster of fronds 25 - 50cm tall from a thick, decumbent rhizome[].c1
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. Very ornamental, it is sometimes cultivated in the garden and can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - western China, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar.

Habitat

Rock crevices and on forest slopes, at elevations from 1,700 - 2,200 metres in Kashmir[]. Moist, shady, rocky places in Nepal at elevations of 300 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.25 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nearly hardy in sheltered places in Britain, though is more normally grown in a greenhouse[].
Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[]. Prefers an alkaline soil[]. 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[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fronds are astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, resolvent and tonic[] They are used in the treatment of headaches and scorpion stings[, ].

A paste made from the rhizomes is used in Nepal to treat cuts and wounds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

None known

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. 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.