Heading Text

 

Pityrogramma calomelanos AISEGAY SILVER-FERN SILVER-BACK FERN WILD MARAN (FILICALES - POLYPODIACEAE - ADIANTOIDEAE) Description A terrestrial fern with tufted fronds to about 1 m high from a short dark-scaled rhizome; stipes dark glossy brown, mostly shorter than the blade. Blades bipinnate, dark green above, whitish or rarely yellowish waxy on the underside, lanceolate or oblong-deltate in outline, 10-J0 cm broad below the middle; ultimate segments lanceolate to elliptic, usually sharply pointed and serrate or deeply incised, of firm texture. When fertile, sporangia covering and nearly concealing the lower surface. Habitat and Distribution Common on sandy or clay soils in rough open but more or less sheltered places. In subtropical and tropical America and Africa; introduced and naturalized elsewhere. Medicinal Uses An infusion of leaves is used for stomach pains and either macerated leaves or juice thereof is placed on cuts and bruises to stop bleeding. A decoction of leaves is drunk for the relief of colds. An aqueous extract of the entire plant is considered a cure for venereal diseases, being taken orally or by local application. Biodynamic Notes Isolation of the sesquiterpene lactones pterosin and calomelanolactone was reported (Bardouille et al, 1978). In addition to pterosin and calomelanolactone, a third compound 2', 6'-dihydroxy-4, 4'-dimethoxy-dihydrochalcone was reportedly isolated. Pterosin is reported to have antibiotic properties while 2', 6' dihydroxy-4, 4'-dimethoxy-dihydrochalcone exhibited antifungal activity against Rhizopus niger, Pénicillium and Aspergillus (Bardouille and Cox, 1977).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is your Image Description paragraph. Its a great place to add a

description of the image displayed in this section, and a few more words about your business, your site or what you do. Use a friendly and conversational tone to engage as many users as possible!