Dryopteridaceae Polystichum munitum (Kaulfuss) K. Presl

Western Swordfern

Karok - Other, Toys & Games

Use documented by:
Schenck, Sara M. and E. W. Gifford, 1952, Karok Ethnobotany, Anthropological Records 13(6):377-392, page 378

View all documented uses for Polystichum munitum (Kaulfuss) K. Presl

Scientific name: Polystichum munitum (Kaulfuss) K. Presl
USDA symbol: POMU (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Western Swordfern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Family (APG):
Native American Tribe: Karok
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Toys & Games
Notes: Fronds used in a game played by adults of both sexes to see who had the longest wind. Beginning at the bottom of the frond, the player touched each leaflet, first on one side of the stem and then the other and said 'tiip' each time he touched a leaflet. Whoever went the farthest up the frond won. There was no gambling on this game.

RECRD: 8429 id: 29106