''Microsorum punctatum'' is a

fern A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta ) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. The polypodiophytes include all living pteridophytes except t ...

from the subfamily Microsoroideae commonly called the fishtail fern. It has been used in

traditional medicine Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous medicine or folk medicine) comprises medical aspects of traditional knowledge that developed over generations within the folk beliefs of various societies, including indigenous peoples, before the ...

Description

Like other members of subfamily Microsoroideae, this species is a facultative

epiphyte An epiphyte is an organism that grows on the surface of a plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it. The plants on which epiphytes grow are called phoroph ...

; it often grows epiphytically, but can also grow atop the soil surface (terrestrially) in moist, well-drained areas. The

rhizome In botany and dendrology, a rhizome (; , ) is a modified subterranean plant stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes are also called creeping rootstalks or just rootstalks. Rhizomes develop from axillary buds and grow hori ...

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. File:星蕨 Microsorum punctatum 20220618163817 01.jpg File:星蕨 Microsorum punctatum 20220618163817 02.jpg File:星蕨 Microsorum punctatum 20220618163817 03.jpg File:(Arya) Microsorum punctatum at Citradream Hotel Cirebon 2019 2.jpg, Leaves of ''Microsorum punctatum'' 'Grandiceps'

Uses

Juice extracted from the

fronds A frond is a large, divided leaf. In both common usage and botanical nomenclature, the leaves of ferns are referred to as fronds and some botanists restrict the term to this group. Other botanists allow the term frond to also apply to the lar ...

(leaves) of the fern is used as

purgative Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubri ...

diuretic A diuretic () is any substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine. This includes forced diuresis. A diuretic tablet is sometimes colloquially called a water tablet. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics in ...

, and wound healing agents in traditional medicine in Assam.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.

References

Polypodiaceae Flora of Malaysia Ferns of Asia Medicinal plants {{Polypodiaceae-stub