Black Tree Fern (Cyathea medullaris)

Family: Cyatheaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cyathea medullaris is an evergreen Fern growing to 9 m (29ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, the portion below the growing point is the part used, do not confuse this with the trunk of the plant, which is made up of a peaty substance from the decaying roots. — Pith of stem - raw or cooked.; Rich in starch, the portion below the growing point is the part used, do not confuse this with the trunk of the plant, which is made up of a peaty substance from the decaying roots.; The pith is used as a coarse sago substitute.; The pith contains (dry weight) 3.6% protein, 7.4% starch, 3.1% lipids and 3% simple reducing sugars.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland forests in North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand. (Zone 8)