Contents
Description
Diplazium Esculentum, commonly known as Vegetable fern, is a type of fern that belongs to the family Athyriaceae. It is a popular vegetable in many Asian countries, including India, China, and Indonesia, where its young fronds are harvested and consumed as a nutritious food source. The fern’s scientific name, Diplazium Esculentum, is derived from the Greek words “diploos” and “zoma,” which mean “double living” and “fringe,” respectively.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Pteridopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Diplazium |
| Species | Diplazium Esculentum |
Appearance
Diplazium Esculentum has long, thin fronds that can grow up to 1 meter in length. The fronds are a bright green color and have a delicate, feathery appearance. The fern’s leaves are bipinnate, meaning they have two rows of pinnae (leaflets) on either side of the midrib. The pinnae are further divided into smaller segments, giving the fronds a lacy, intricate look. When the fern is young, the fronds are tightly coiled and have a spiral shape. As the fern matures, the fronds unfurl and become more elongated.
Care Guide
Water: Diplazium Esculentum prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil from drying out. However, be careful not to overwater the fern, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Feed the fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Diplazium Esculentum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
Sunlight: The fern prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the fronds.
Hardiness Zones: Diplazium Esculentum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diplazium Esculentum is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The fern is also prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Diplazium Esculentum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, and Indonesia. It grows in moist, shady areas such as forests, riverbanks, and swamps. The fern is commonly cultivated in home gardens and is also commercially grown for its edible fronds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Diplazium Esculentum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the fern can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.
Q: How long does it take for Diplazium Esculentum to produce edible fronds?
A: The fern can produce edible fronds within 6-8 weeks of planting.
Q: Is Diplazium Esculentum frost-tolerant?
A: No, the fern is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should Diplazium Esculentum be repotted?
A: The fern should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container.
Related Plants
- Diplazium Chinense
- Diplazium Maximum
- Diplazium Sibiricum
- Diplazium Tomentosum
References
- Flora of China Editorial Committee. (2013). Flora of China (Vol. 2). Beijing: Science Press.
- Hanelt, P., & Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research. (2001). Mansfeld’s encyclopedia of agricultural and horticultural crops. Berlin: Springer.
- Mabberley, D. J. (2017). Mabberley’s plant-book: A portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
