Asplenium bulbiferum Hen and chicken fern (Polypodiaceae) Evergreen fern

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Asplenium bulbiferum
Hen and chicken fern
Evergreen fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Asplenium bulbiferum plant species is found in Australia, New Zealand. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hen and chicken fern.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Asplenium bulbiferum
Common Name:  Hen and chicken fern
Family:  Polypodiaceae
Author:  Forst.f.

Known Hazards:  Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. 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[172].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Riversides in lowland and lower montane forest in New Zealand.

Propagation Notes: Spores - best sown as soon as they are 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 spring[1]. Spring sown spores germinate in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[134]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse. Keep them humid until they are well established. When they are at least 15cm tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. This plant can also be propagated by means of small bulblets that form on the sides of leaves in the growing season. Pot these bulblets up when they detatch easily from the parent plant and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter.

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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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