About Alsophila spinulosa (Wall. ex Hook.) R.M.Tryon
Alsophila spinulosa (Wall. ex Hook.) R.M.Tryon is a tree fern species. Its trunk can grow to 5 meters or more in height. The persistent stipes are spiny, purplish near the base, and covered in brown shiny scales. Mature fronds measure 1โ3 meters long and are tripinnate (three-limbed). The spore-producing sori are large and round. Like many tree ferns, this species forms a characteristic "skirt" made of dead leaves that do not detach from the crown, which creates a barrier against parasitic climbing plants.
In terms of distribution and habitat, A. spinulosa grows on humus soils in shaded forest areas, and is widely distributed across Asia, including China, Nepal, India, Burma (Myanmar), and Japan.
For human uses, the stems of this species are rich in starch and are edible. Processed stem chips are also used as fern chips, a growing substrate for orchid cultivation.
