Japanese fern tree

The Japanese fern tree is native to Sri Lanka, East Africa and India. Although it is called a fern, it is not a true one. Neither is it from Japan. It gets its name from the fern-like manner in which its long, thin leaves protrude from the tree. It is also known as Fern tree, Mkong'o (Swahili), Filicio (Brazil), Pihimbiya (Sri Lanka), and Thika palm (Africa).

The Japanese fern tree is an upright tree with a smooth bark of small circumference. As the tree gets older, its bark begins to fissure. It can reach up to 65' tall. The glossy green oval leaves are elongated and arranged in pairs along the bract. They are compactly packed together in a swirling fashion giving the tree a dense crown that provides for good shade.

The white flowers of the tree bloom from late winter to spring. Following the flowering, small round green fruit turn to maroon.

The Japanese fern tree flourishes best in tropical climates. Due to the deep root structure, it can survive a hurricane.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Wood is reddish brown and makes durable posts and beams
• In Ayurvedic medicine the bark is used to treat fractures