Dryopteris oreades Mountain male fern (Dryopteridaceae)

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Dryopteris oreades
Mountain male fern
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The Dryopteris oreades plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mountain male fern.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Dryopteris oreades
Common Name:  Mountain male fern
Family:  Dryopteridaceae
Author:  Fomin.

Known Hazards:  Although we have found no reports for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. The fresh plant contains 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]. However, there have been reports for other species of ferns suggesting that even cooked fronds can have a long term harmful effect. Some caution is therefore advised.

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Rocky places on mountains, in open or slight shade, scree slopes.

Medicinal Information: The root contains ‘filicin’, a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[4, 172, 238]. It is one of the most effective treatments known for tapeworms - its use should be immediately followed by a non-oily purgative such as magnesium sulphate in order to expel the worms from the body[238]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[238]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The root is also used in the treatment of dandruff[4, 172].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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