About Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd.) H.Itô
Cyclosorus interruptus, commonly known as the Hottentot fern or swamp shield-fern, is a species of fern belonging to the family Thelypteridaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions across much of the world. In the New World, its range extends from Mexico to Argentina, and it also grows in the Antilles. In the Old World, it can be found in India, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. It also occurs in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Different populations of this species vary in genetic cytotypes, presence of glands, pubescence, and frond size. It grows near freshwater swamps, and can reach a height of 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches). When grown in cultivation, C. interruptus is likely to be a useful landscape plant for damp, frost-free gardens. There are reports that its rhizome is edible. In herbal medicine, C. interruptus is used to treat sores, liver diseases, gonorrhea, cough, and malaria.
