Everything about Polypodium totally explained
» For the animal genus, see Polypodium (animal).
Polypodium is a
genus of between 75-100
species of true
ferns, widely distributed throughout the world, with the highest species diversity in the
tropics. The name is derived from
Ancient Greek poly (πολύ) "many" +
podion (πόδιον) "little foot", on account of the foot-like appearance of the
rhizome and its branches. They are commonly called
polypodies or
rockcap ferns, but for many species unique vernacular names exist.
They are
terrestrial or
epiphytic ferns, with a creeping, densely hairy or scaly
rhizome bearing
fronds at intervals along its length. The species differ in size and general appearance and in the character of the fronds, which are evergreen, persisting for 1-2 years, pinnate or pinnatifid (rarely simple entire), and from 10-80 cm or more long. The
sori or groups of spore-cases (
sporangia) are borne on the back of the frond; they're globose and naked, not covered with a membrane (indusium).
Polypodies have some use in
herbalism, but are today most important in
horticulture where several species, hybrids, and their
cultivars like
Polypodium 'Green Wave' are commonly used as
ornamental plants for shady locations.
Polypodium have a bitter-sweet taste and are among the rather few ferns that are used in
cooking; in this case as a spice for example for
nougat.
Selected species
Several of the species form
hybrids with other species in the genus; these may often be distinguished by being sterile, with very small "blind" sori.
A number of species formerly included in the genus have recently been transferred to other genera, including
Campyloneurum,
Cyathea,
Microgramma,
Nephrolepis,
Neurodium,
Pecluma,
Phlebodium, and
Pleopeltis.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Polypodium'.
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