Cibotium barometz aka Scythian Lamb

Cibotium barometz is an evergreen fern from Asia. It grows in both tropical and subtropical parts of Asia. Its range spans China, southern Japan, northeast India and Southeast Asia. It grows on damp hillsides, in gullies and in forests. It also grows along forest edges and in valleys. These sites offer warmth, humid air and some shade. People call it Scythian lamb and vegetable lamb of Tartary.

The plant forms clumps of fronds from a creeping rhizome. This thick, woody stem has long, soft, golden hairs. Its fronds can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. The hairy growth helped inspire the old plant lamb tale. The fern keeps its leaves through the year. Its size and odd rhizome make it valued for display. Sources cover wild plants and those grown for display.

In gardens, it prefers rich soil with plenty of humus. Choose a bright spot with shelter and shade from strong sun. This fern can grow in light woodland. PFAF also lists dappled shade and shaded woodland edges. Keep the soil moist rather than letting it dry out. PFAF lists sand, loam and clay as suitable soil types. It also lists soils from mildly acid through neutral to mildly alkaline. Wild plants can mark sites with acid soil.

Cold limits where gardeners can grow this fern outdoors. Useful Tropical Plants says it can endure about 25°F [−4°C] for brief spells. This applies when the plant is fully dormant. PFAF gives a USDA range of zones 8–11. It says British plants need greenhouse protection in most cases. Growers can raise new plants from spores on mature fronds. Collect spores when the sori look full and swollen. Dry frond pieces in separate paper packets in a warm place. The ripe spores then fall free for collection.

People gather the rhizomes for use in traditional medicine. Reported uses aim to treat pain, swelling and rheumatic complaints. The golden hairs contain tannins. People have used these hairs in poultices for wounds. These past uses do not prove the treatments are safe. PFAF records an edible use but names no plant part. Useful Tropical Plants notes no known reports of toxicity for this species. This lack of reports does not mean it is safe to eat. Its broader warnings concern ferns as a group. They do not confirm a hazard in this species.