Drynaria quercifolia

Drynaria quercifolia, commonly known as the Oak-leaf Fern, is a distinctive epiphytic plant celebrated for its unique, shield-like foliage. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this species holds significant traditional value in various cultures, where its rhizomes are utilized in folk medicine to treat diverse ailments and promote healing properties.

  • Scientific name: Drynaria quercifolia
  • Family: Polypodiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, it is further categorized into the family Polypodiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Drynaria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Polypodiinae WCVP
Order Polypodiales WCVP
Family Polypodiaceae WCVP
Genus Drynaria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Drynaria quercifolia, is known by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 栎叶槲蕨 (lì yè hú jué), while in Indonesia, it is commonly called Daun kepala tupai. Its names also vary significantly in Southeast and South Asia, being known as กระแตไต่ไม้ in Thai, ஆட்டுக்கால் கிழங்கு in Tamil, and കിരീടപ്പന്നൽ in Malayalam.
Language Common Name Source
zh 栎叶槲蕨 Wikidata
id Daun kepala tupai Wikidata
th กระแตไต่ไม้ Wikidata
ta ஆட்டுக்கால் கிழங்கு Wikidata
ml കിരീടപ്പന്നൽ Wikidata
bcl Aglaomorpha quercifolia Wikidata
tl Aglaomorpha quercifolia Wikidata
as ঢেকীয়া লতা Wikidata
ms Daun kepala tupai Wikidata
zh-hans 栎叶槲蕨 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across several distinct regions. In East Asia, its presence is specifically noted within the Hainan province of China. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found across the vast territories of India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the species is distributed throughout the specialized ecological zones of Assam. Finally, it also populates the high-altitude landscapes of the East Himalaya.

Region Area Source
China Hainan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Andaman Is. WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Drynaria quercifolia, is often utilized in traditional medicine, where the underground structures play a significant role in its therapeutic applications. Specifically, the rhizome of the plant is harvested and processed to extract its bioactive compounds. For many medicinal preparations, the dried rhizome is used to ensure stability and ease of storage, allowing for the creation of decoctions or powders intended to treat various ailments.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Drynaria quercifolia has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include naringin, Friedelin, beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol, decanoic acid.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
naringin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Friedelin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-amyrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
decanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dodecanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epifriedelinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eriocitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hydrogen peroxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
indole 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Drynaria quercifolia has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Abortifacient, Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Abortifacient 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiarthritic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Thrombolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Drynaria quercifolia has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, arthritis, birth control, gastrointestinal diseases, liver fibrosis.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Neisseria gonorrhoeae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
birth control 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastrointestinal diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver fibrosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆