Cibotium

Gardenology.org-IMG 7869 qsbg11mar

Cibotium chamissoi (5187378843)

Cibotium cumingii - Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg - DSC08035

Starr 050130-3338 Cibotium glaucum

Starr 040713-0079 Cibotium menziesii

Cibotium is a genus of ferns in the family Cibotiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Asia. The genus is characterized by its large, tree-like appearance, with some species known as tree ferns. Cibotium species are recognized for their distinctive golden or brownish woolly rhizomes and large, divided fronds that can reach several meters in length in some species. These ferns are popular in horticulture and landscape design for their dramatic appearance and are used in various traditional medicines in the cultures where they are native.

Description

Cibotium ferns have a distinctive appearance, with thick, woody trunks topped by a crown of large, arching fronds. The trunks are actually rhizomes that grow vertically and can reach heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) in the largest species. The fronds are bipinnate to tripinnate, giving them a very lush, feathery look. The undersides of the fronds bear sporangia in clusters called sori, which are often covered by a protective layer known as an indusium.

The rhizomes are covered in a dense, woolly layer of hairs, which range in color from golden to brown. This feature is not only distinctive for identification but also has uses in traditional crafts and medicine.

Distribution and Habitat

Cibotium species are found in a range of habitats from cloud forests to mountainous regions in the Americas and Asia. They prefer moist, shaded areas and are often found in elevations up to 2500 meters. Their distribution includes parts of Mexico, Central America, the Hawaiian Islands, and parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and the Philippines.

Uses

In horticulture, Cibotium ferns are valued for their dramatic foliage and are used in landscapes that can accommodate their size and growth requirements. They are also grown as specimen plants in large containers.

Traditionally, the woolly hairs of the rhizome have been used for stuffing pillows and mattresses, and in some cultures, extracts from the fern are used in traditional medicine for their supposed health benefits, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Conservation

Some species of Cibotium are considered at risk due to habitat loss and over-collection. Conservation efforts are in place in some regions to protect these magnificent ferns and their habitats.

See Also

• Fern
• Horticulture
• Traditional medicine