Ptisana salicina
Ptisana salicina (Sm.) Murdock
Ptisana salicina, known as para, tawhiti-para, king fern, or horseshoe fern, is a fern native to the South Pacific, including Norfolk Island and New Zealand. It features fronds up to 5 metres long and a starchy base historically used as food by the Maori.
Description
Ptisana salicina (Sm.) Murdock is a fern species in the family Marattiaceae. It is found in Australia, Oceania, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, New Caledonia, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Queensland, Society Islands, and Tubuai Islands. The plant is characterized by its large fronds, which can reach lengths of up to 5 metres. The starchy base of the plant was traditionally consumed by the Maori. The species was formally described in 2008.
Distribution
Australia · Oceania · Cook Is. · Marquesas · New Caledonia · New Zealand North · New Zealand South · Queensland · Society Is. · Tubuai Is.
Synonyms
Marattia cinctaMarattia elegansMarattia grantiiMarattia stokesiiMarattia salicinaMarattia fraxinea var. salicina
