can someone please help me ID this plant at least to Family? It is a deep tropical rainforest plant. Leaves measure 9 cm x 3 cm or 3.5 inches by 1 inches. Grows low to the ground. Pics are of entire plant, dorsal and ventral surfaces of leaves. Thanks!
Looks to be a cyrtomium species, but I'll have to dig on that before I commit to it. I'm failry certain it's not, as the sori are in the completely wrong place for it... Gorgeous fern though! Salut!
Assuming it is growing wild, I don't think it'd be Cyrtomium based on the distribution of the genus (Asia, Africa (incl. Madagascar) and Pacific Islands), but that's what I first thought it resembled, as well.
More likely a Pteris, based on marginal sori and false indusium (spores under rolled-over leaf margin)
My first assessment was that this plant was a fern. I am pleased to have this confirmed. The indigenous Indians of the area believe it posses incredible medicinal properties. Perhaps others of this Family/Genus/species share similar characteristics?
Well, dig me a few and I'll grow them up a bit and let you know! If you don't hear from me in three years or so, I died trying to figure it out... ;)
You would have died happy. It is their version of viagra. The prep/method of use and dosage is a highly guarded secret. Only the "curandero" (medicine man) knows......
