Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of tree fern: Cibotium barometz is a specific type of large fern native to parts of Asia, characterized by a thick, hairy trunk.
   • A plant with historical medicinal use: The dense mat of golden hairs covering its rhizome and leaf bases has been traditionally used as a styptic (a substance to stop bleeding).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Cibotium barometz is a striking fern often grown in botanical gardens for its ornamental value.
  • In traditional medicine, the woolly hairs of the cibotium barometz were applied to wounds to staunch bleeding.

Advanced Usage

• In historical and cultural contexts: This plant is sometimes referred to in historical texts or discussions of ethnobotany (the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants).
  • The so-called "Vegetable Lamb of Tartary," a mythical plant-animal hybrid, was sometimes associated with the Cibotium barometz due to its woolly appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cibotium (n): The genus name for a group of tree ferns, which includes .
  • Several Cibotium species are endangered due to habitat loss.
• Tree fern (n): The general category of ferns that grow with a tall, woody trunk.
  • The Hawaiian landscape features many native tree ferns.

Synonyms

• Asian tree fern: A descriptive synonym highlighting its geographic origin and plant type.
• Golden chicken fern: A common name sometimes used for this species, referring to the color of its hairs.

Notes on Meaning

• This term is highly specific to botany and historical medicine. It is not a common word in everyday English.
• The primary meaning is always the botanical identification of the specific fern species. Any medicinal reference is historical or traditional.

Noun

1. Asiatic tree fern having dense matted hairs sometimes used as a styptic