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Slender brake facts for kids

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Slender brake
Pteris ensiformis 'Victoriae' - Morris Arboretum - DSC00170.JPG
Pteris ensiformis
Conservation status

Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Pteris
Species:
ensiformis
Varieties
  • var. ensiformis'
  • var. furcans' Ching 1983
  • var. grevilleana' Clarke ex Bedd. 1883
  • var. merrillii' (C. Chr. ex Ching) S.H. Wu 1990
  • var. victoriae' Baker 1890

The Pteris ensiformis, also known as the slender brake, silver lace fern, or sword brake fern, is a type of plant. It belongs to the Pteris group and the Pteridaceae family. You can find this fern growing naturally in parts of Asia and the Pacific Ocean region.

How People Use the Slender Brake Fern

This special fern has a few interesting uses. People use it for drinks and also grow it because it looks pretty.

Used in Drinks

In Taiwan, the Pteris ensiformis fern is a very common ingredient in traditional herbal drinks. These drinks contain natural compounds that come from the plant.

Scientists have also found that this fern can resist the harmful effects of arsenic. Arsenic is a natural element that can be toxic. The fern has special ways to protect itself from it.

Growing the Fern as an Ornamental Plant

Many people grow Pteris ensiformis because it is a beautiful ornamental plant. This means it's grown for its looks, not usually for food. It's popular in gardens in warm, tropical, and subtropical areas. It also makes a great houseplant for inside homes.

There are different types of Pteris ensiformis that people grow:

  • Pteris ensiformis 'Victoriae', which is called the Victoria fern.
  • Pteris ensiformis 'Evergemiensis'.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Pteris ensiformis para niños

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