Scythian Lamb

Cibotium barometz

Physical Characteristics

Cibotium barometz is an evergreen Fern. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Assam to China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

There is a report that the plant is edible, but does not say which part of the plant is eaten[177].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Astringent Hepatic Styptic The rhizomes contain about 30% starch[283]. It is antiinflammatory and anodyne and is used in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, leucorrhoea, dysuria, polyuria in the aged etc[283]. Antirheumatic, hepatic, styptic[147, 176]. The rhizomes are harvested at the end of the growing season, the smaller roots and yellow hairs are removed then the rhizome is chipped into slices and dried for later use[283]. The yellow hairs on the rhizomes contain tannins and are astringent[283]. They are used in poultices on wounds to stop bleeding[283].

Known Hazards

None known