Scientific Name
Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
Synonyms
Family
Pteridaceae
Local Name
Proshan, Kakpie
Habit Habitat
It is rock dwelling, moist loving fern with creeping rhizome and slender branching, up to 25-35 cm tall, found in sub-tropical and temperate zones.
Taxonomic Features
Stem creeping, with golden brown scales. Leaves arise from rhizome, compound bipinnate, rachis with leaflets or pinnae on either side. Each pinna is divided into pinnules. Pinnule green triangular, broader towards apex, divided into 3-4 lobes. Sori 4-6 per pinnule occur on under surface of the margins of fertile pinnules. Sporangia sub marginal, yellow to yellowish brown, false indusim, kidney shaped, oblong at ends of segments. Spores thick walled, brown.
Flowering Fruiting
April-October
Harvesting Time
June-November
Medicinal Value
Leaf tea soothes sore throat, useful in asthma, cough, chest congestion, snake bites and expels worms. Locally infusion is used as diuretic, expectorant and antipyretic.
Parts Used
Whole plant
Future Prospective
Collection, Drying, Packing, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Adiantum capillus-veneris L.