So I'm 95% positive that it is a Nephrolepis exalta. Also known as sword fern
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrolepis_exaltata
On second glance however I found a very similar, almost identical fern called Nephrolepis cordifolia.
it is known as the tuber sword fern. Yes. I was previously incorrect, this is the right one.
http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Nephrolepsis_cordifolia.pdf
the site claims that N. exalta NEVER bears tubers on it's roots. I guess that settles it then. It's definately N cordifolia.
another interesting thing, I found in many different sources that the tubers are edible and natives in nepal eat them regularly.
Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/8e0CtNta_2Q
^^ dig up, remove hairs, EAT!
have you come across other non edible spesis with similar looking tuber ?
ReplyDeletegreat post .
Hello there, thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, no I have not. I read from many different reliable sources that there are about 4 species in this genus, with the tuber sword fern being the only one with tubers. Now, that is also regarding south eastern US, I believe, and if you're concerned with a similar plant in another part of the world, I'd try to find something more relevant to your area. But if it is a plant near to where I am collecting specimens, I'm nearly positive there is no other plant that resembles this one, because it is the only with tubers. This guy's kind of crazy but, he explains everything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e0CtNta_2Q