Acrostichum aureum

Probably the only fern species found in the mangroves of Sri Lanka*. It occurs usually on landward side of the mangroves and brackish water marshes. Young reddish leaves edible and made into a curry. Dried leaves are also used as thatching of temporary huts.

* Locality unknown single specimen of Acrostichum speciosum is also mentioned in the Revised Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon Vol XV Part B page 367.