This species has often been misreported as being native to India.

Common Name: Japanese Holly Fern

General Information

Cyrtomium falcatum is an evergreen fern (though top growth is likely to die back to the roots in cold winters) with a short, erect rhizome. It typically grows in a dense, vase-shaped clump around 30 - 60cm tall with a spread of 60 - 90cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is a popular and commonly grown ornamental, valued especially for its fronds, which resemble holly (Ilex aquifolium) branches, and succeding as a pot plant in cooler climates. The fronds are used in cut flower arrangements[].
Cyrtomium falcatum has been introduced across the world as an ornamental plant and has spread throughout tropical and subtropical areas, and also in temperate regions with milder climates. Colonization of new areas is facilitated by its ability to reproduce apogamously, its spores being easily carried long distances by the wind, and its ability to grow in a broad range of habitats including human-made structures. Where it occurs in natural habitats it can displace native species, including rare bryophytes and ferns. It has been recognized as invasive in several countrie, including the USA, S. Afruca, Madagascar and Australia[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - eastern China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Found in a broad range of habitats, typically on rock or masonry substrates, including coastal areas, lowland forests, waterfalls, karst, boulders, streams, as well as on human-made structures; at elevations up to 500 metres[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.40 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cyrtomium falcatum is native to warmer areas of the temperate zone, just extending into the tropics in Vietnam. Hardiness can vary, but many forms can survive winter temperatures down to around -15°c[]. There are three forms of this species, diploids and triploids produced through fertilization and triploids that have avoided the sexual stage of reproduction and been produced apogamously. It is this third form that is more likely to succeed in areas close to its climatic tolerance[[].
Prefers a moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade to full shade[]. Good soil drainage is essential to protect the roots from rotting in winter[]. In regions close to its climatic limit, the crown of this plant can be mulched with straw in the winter to protect it from the cold[]. Tolerance for dry air qualifies this plant for use as a houseplant[]. The plant generally requires moist or shaded conditions for establishment, growing well on sites such as stream banks, shaded walls, waterfalls and ravines[],

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The rhizome is used as an anthelmintic, chiefly for the expulsion of tapeworm[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is moderately tolerant of arsenic in the soil[].

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. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c[]. 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[].