ATHYRIUM ESCULENTUM (Retz.) Copel.                                                                       PAKO

Local names: Pako (Bik., Ilk., Pamp., Bis., Tag.);  tagabas (Tag.).

Pako is widely distributed in the Philippines, being a characteristic plant on gravel bars and banks of treams. It is found from India to Polynesia.

The rootstocks are stout. The wiry roots are often gathered and sold in Manila as “osmunda roots” for growing orchids, particularly Cattleyas. The stipes are green and somewhat smooth, 20 to 50 centimeters long. The fronds are 2- or 3-pinnate, 50 to 80 centimeters long; the pinnules are lanceolate; 2 to 5 centimeters long, and rather coarsely toothed. The sori are superficial, arranged in pairs on the side of the veins or veinlets.

The young fronds are much desired and are eaten in all parts of the Islands, either raw or cooked. They are used as a leafy vegetable, or as an ingredient of stews. They are a fair source of calcium, a very excellent source of phosphorus and a good source of iron. Brown reports that it is a good source of vitamin B.

Medicinally the rhizomes and the young leaves are used in the Philippines, either in simple decoctions or with sugar. They are said to be good for haemoptysis and for ordinary coughs.