19. Pityrogramma calomelanos

Description:

Alocasia cucullata is an evergreen herbaceous plant that produces thick, erect stems up to 6 cm wide that branch from the bases and grow up to a meter tall. It produces bunches of leaves on long, sheathed petioles which are generally up to about 30 cm long but are known to reach 80 cm. The wide, roughly heart-shaped leaf blade is up to 40 by 28 cm and has 4 main veins running from the centre to the edge on each side. The plant rarely flowers. Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil and a position in semi-shade.

Use:

It is applied externally to treat snakebite, abscesses, rheumatism, and arthritis. It is poisonous due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.

19. Scientific name: Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) LINK

Common names:

silverback fern

Family:

Pteridaceae

Origin:

Central and South America

Description:

The erect rhizome, which is covered with scales, upright fronds, can reach up to about 30 - 45 cm tall. Stipes measuring to about 20 - 30 cm long, fronds oblong, acuminate apex, bipinnate and fern blade measuring about 15 - 30 cm long and 10 - 15 cm wide. The underside is white floury with few scales, the tip is pinnate, reduced. The petiole is furrowed, shiny, and brown on top.

Use:

The leaves are used externally to heal wounds and stop bleeding. An infusion of the whole plant is used to increase male sexual stamina, and to treat female haemorrhaging. An aqueous extract is drunk or applied locally to treat venereal disease in Guyana. It is also used for asthma, cough, cold, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. The root is bechic. An infusion is used to treat pulmonary conditions. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and stomach pains. The leaves are crushed and used as a poultice to promote the healing of ulcers, wounds and cuts. They are also placed on wounds to stop bleeding. The plant contains the sesquiterpene lactones pterosin (which is reportedly antibiotic).