The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aethiopicum) is to me—as its name implies—one of the most very delicate-looking and beautiful ferns that exist.
It is a true fern, though it doesn’t really look like one. The very shiny black slender stems bear leaves that are delicate looking, with wedge shaped segments (“leaves”) which contain the sori on the underneath leaf margins.
Also, although it is not related to Ginkgo, Ginkgo is sometimes called the Maidenhair tree as its leaves have a resemblance to the Maidenhair fern frond segments.
There are a few species of Maidenhair Fern, this one occurring in Australia, Africa, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island, but across the species these Maidenhair ferns are found spanning several continents.
Traditional medicinal use includes as a syrup for respiratory complaints and to counter mucous production. The leaves (fronds) and roots (rhizomes) are both used medicinally either fresh or dried.
The most medicinal information confirmed in scientific investigation is for its related species, A. capillus-veneris, including the following properties: anti-diabetic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-thyroidal, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing, anti-hair loss, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, anti-urolithiatic, and detoxifying.
In phytochemical investigations flavonoids and triterpenoids have been found to be the predominant secondary metabolites present.
Occurring nearby creeks, open forests, or on cliffs in moist rock cracks, these ferns prefer moist places, but can withstand some drought by dying its foliage back.
This is a very frustrating trait, if you have ever had one as a houseplant. As one slip, and your beautiful dainty fern looks completely dead. You might think your fern has died as all its leaves have turned brown and dried up. But if you cut them back to the soil and then wait, you will see little shoots reappear! It is a hard lesson on watering, but worth it to keep these beautiful ferns around.
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*This post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Always seek medical advice directly through consultation with a health professional.