Common Name:

General Information

Cyrtomium fortunei is an evergreen fern (though top growth is likely to die back to the roots in cold winters) with a short, erect rhizome. It produces a clump of stiff, upright fronds around 30 - 60cm tall with a spread of 30 - 45cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its fronds, which resemble holly (Ilex aquifolium) branches[].
Cyrtomium fortunei is widely grown as an ornamental. It has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in various locations, especialy in western and southern Europe and in southeast USA. It is not clear at present whether this is a risk to the native flora and fauna[].

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

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Range

E. Asia - northeast India, Thailand, souther and eastern China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Thickets in hills and low mountains all over Japan[]. In China it is found on the sides of ditches and roadways as well as in rocky crevices where it is damp and shady[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cyrtomium fortunei is native to temperate regions in east Asia, extending into subtropical areas. It is quite cold hardy, said to be able to tolerate temperatures down to about -30°c[].
Requires 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 winte[]r. Requires a moderately loose soil, do not firm the soil any more than is necessary[]. Grows well in a woodland garden[]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7 but this is not critical[].
A very ornamental and hardy plant[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The rhizome is analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antiviral, depurative, febrifuge and haemostatic[, , ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of hookworm, tapeworm, ascariasis, filiariasis, acute infectious hepatitis and various bleeding ailments[]. The decoction is also used as a preventative for influenza and measles[].

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[].