Microsorum punctatum

Microsorum punctatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Polypodiophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Suborder:	Polypodiineae
Family:	Polypodiaceae
Genus:	Microsorum
Species:	M. punctatum
Binomial name
	Microsorum punctatum; (L.) Copel.

Microsorum punctatum is a fern from the subfamily Microsoroideae commonly called the fishtail fern. It has been used in traditional medicine.

Description

Like other members of subfamily Microsoroideae, this species is a facultative epiphyte; it often grows epiphytically, but can also grow atop the soil surface (terrestrially) in moist, well-drained areas.

The rhizome is small, short, 50 mm in diameter, covered with dark brown scales; elongated scales, similar to triangles, 8 mm long. Single leaf lanceolate shape, green, 550 mm long, 50 mm wide, indistinct petiole, clear leaf bone, 3 mm diameter, pointed tip, winged base of leaf, branched leaf repetition.

Leaves of Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps'

Uses

Juice extracted from the fronds (leaves) of the fern is used as purgative, diuretic, and wound healing agents in traditional medicine in Assam.[1]

References

Sharma UK, Pegu S. Ethnobotany of religious and supernatural beliefs of the Mising tribes of Assam with special reference to the 'Dobur Uie'. J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine 2011; 7(1): 16.

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[1] Sharma UK, Pegu S. Ethnobotany of religious and supernatural beliefs of the Mising tribes of Assam with special reference to the 'Dobur Uie'. J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine 2011; 7(1): 16.