On our recent trip to Cameron Highlands, we chanced upon a cute and funny-looking plant at an Orang Asli stall. When I asked the lady manning the store what is it called, she said it is known as Ayam Emas (Golden Chicken). It has a fur-like surface and looks like it is growing from a stub of wood. The colour of the fur is gold and resembles that of a monkey. We were so tickled (pun intended) that we bought one. I think it feels more like the fur of our dog, Buffy.
When I googled for more information, I discovered that this plant is actually a type of fern known as Cibotium. The orang asli belive that the hair can be used to staunch bleeding wounds and leave no scars behind.
http://www.tfbc.frim.gov.my/Subscribe36.html
My funny Ayam Emas plant at home
The leaves growing out of the Ayam Emas plant. The orang asli showed me this pot after I asked her how the plant looks like when planted.
