Pteris melanocaulon

Pteris melanocaulon, commonly known as the black-stemmed brake fern, is a distinctive medicinal plant valued in traditional healing practices. Characterized by its dark, slender stems, this fern is utilized across various cultures for its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in addressing inflammatory conditions and supporting overall holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Pteris melanocaulon
  • Family: Pteridaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, falling into the family Pteridaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pteris, specifically as the species Pteris melanocaulon.

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

Common Names

This plant, Pteris melanocaulon, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the black-stemmed brake fern, a name that highlights its distinctive dark stalks. Within local contexts, it is also identified by its common name in Tagalog, which is pako, reflecting its status as a type of edible fern in certain cultures.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as Pteris melanocaulon, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the Malesia botanical region. Its presence is documented across several key island groups in Southeast Asia. Specifically, it can be found growing naturally within the Philippines. Additionally, the species extends its range to the island of Sulawesi. This limited distribution highlights the plant's occurrence in these particular tropical habitats.

Region Area Source
Malesia Philippines WCVP
Malesia Sulawesi WCVP

Chemicals

Pteris melanocaulon has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phytosterols, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pteris melanocaulon has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pteris melanocaulon has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆