Cyathea microdonta

(Desv.) Domin

CyatheaceaePotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Cyathea microdonta
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Cyathea microdonta
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Cyathea microdonta
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil, some rights reserved (CC BY)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Pith starch

The pith starch is eaten.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. 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.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Andes, Bolivia, Central America, Guianas, Mexico, South America, Venezuela,

Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, El Salvador, Uruguay, Venezuela

How to Identify

A temperate tree fern with edible starch extracted from its pith. It serves as a famine food in its native region.

Other Information

It is a famine food.

Names & Synonyms

Tasi

Alsophila aculeata J. Sm.Alsophila ferox C. PreslAlsophila microdonta (Desv.) Desv.Alsophila rufa FeePolypodium microdontum Desv.Trichipteris microdonta (Desv.) R. M. Tryon
References (1)
  • Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 287

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