iai raya
Acrostichum aureum
Class Filicopsida, Family Pteridaceae
Pantropical. Locally, in various northern areas (including reclaimed sites). Rhizomes and base of the leaf stalks covered with scales up to 4 cm long; leaves pinnate, to about 4 m long, bright red when young; fertile leaflets at the tip are covered with red-brown sporangia, blades of sterile leaflets have a broadly rounded end terminated with a short tip.
On the landward side of mangrove swamps or non-mangrove seaside areas including reclaimed land; not as tolerant of flooding as Acrostichum speciosum.
Dried parchment-like fronds were used as roof thatching which are durable and less of a fire hazard. Pounded rhizomes are used to treat wounds and boils. Common.
About mangrove ferns in general.