Indonesia Species Profile of Tectaria decurrens (Polypodiales: Tectariaceae)

Abstrak

Tectaria decurrens (Halberd Fern), known in Indonesia as Paku Kikir, belongs to the Tectariaceae family and is a terrestrial herbaceous plant with some growing as epiphytes. This fern is unique, it has winged leaf stalks with interconnected venation patterns. Tectaria decurrens is found growing on the soil around rocks on riverbanks, cliffs, and tropical forests. The fern plays an important role in ecology as a bioindicator of environmental change. In socio-cultural life, local communities use it as a traditional medicine, and economically, Tectaria decurrens can be used as a vegetable and ornamental plant.