Ferns in the genus Asplenium are referred to as spleenworts—asplenium is the Greek word for spleen, and wort is a general word for plant. At one time, people thought ingesting these ferns medicinally would cure disorders of the spleen.
SIDE DISH
The newly emerging, curled fronds (called crosiers) of Asplenium australasicum are a popular vegetable in Taiwan.
UNIQUE ADDITION
Asplenium goudeyi is only found on Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia, and it was only recently described for science, in 1996.
IN CELEBRATION
In old Hawaii, the leaves of Asplenium nidus, called ekaha, adorned hula altars and were used in canoe tree-cutting ceremonies.