‘Sanjeewani’ (Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd) is amazing; potentially, a promising plant for the warming globe!

Abstract

Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd (ACTINOPTERIDACEAE), locally known as ‘Sanjeewani’, is a rare medicinal plant in Sri Lanka. Botanically it is a small, drought resistant fern (2-15cm high) with fan-like fronds, hence very much similar to a miniature palm. It is found as a terrestrial or epilithic plant in some localities of the dry zone in Sri Lanka. It has also been reported from India, Sri Lanka and some African countries. Many of these countries used this as a medicinal plant to prepare ailments for various disorders including diarrhea, dysentery, worm infestations, skin diseases, diabetes and blood pressure.