Helminthostachys

Taxobox
name = "Helminthostachys zeylanica"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Pteridophyta
classis = Psilotopsida
ordo = Ophioglossales
familia = Ophioglossaceae
genus = "Helminthostachys"
species = "H. zeylanica"
binomial = "Helminthostachys zeylanica"
binomial_authority = (L.) Hook.

"Helminthostachys zeylanica" is a terrestrial, herbaceous, fern-like plant of southeastern Asia and Australia, commonly known as Kamraj and Tukod-langit. The genus is monotypic and, just like the other members of its family, it has clusters of sporangia on stems of fertile, spike-like fronds.

The rhizome of this annual plant is short, creeping, underground, and stout. They can bear either a solitary frond or several fronds. Leaves are lanceolate with the margins entire or irregularly serrate.

The frond spike arises from the base of the leaves with its own stipe. Below the spike is a sterile leafy segment (the trophophore). Both it and the sporophore arise from a common petiole.

Uses

The roots of this plant are a popular medicine in China, where they are known as "Di wu gong". The roots are harvested during the wet season in July-August. Only wild plants are harvested. In Malaysia, the leaves are dried and smoked to treat bleeding nose.

References

* [http://www.tfeps.org/helminthostachys_zelaynica.htm "Helminthostachys zeylanica" - photos and info]