Botanico

Plant profile

Polypodium vulgare

Polypodium vulgare L.

Photo of Polypodium vulgare
Image: 4028mdk09. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Polypodium vulgare is a fern suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, characterized by its lush green fronds. It thrives in humid environments with partial shade.

From Wikipedia

Polypodium vulgare, the common polypody, is an evergreen fern of the family Polypodiaceae. The name is derived from Greek poly- ("many") and pous, podos ("foot"). Polypody has traditional uses in cooking for its aroma and sweet taste, and in herbal medicine as a purgative and vermifuge. This species is expansive and highly adapted to many environments.

Polypodium vulgare — Text CC BY-SA. See the original article.

Open-data facts

Life form
Epiphyte: aerial roots and little dependence on the soil.
Climate
Fits well in Mediterranean-type or similar temperate environments.
Origin / area
Documented area of origin: Madeira, Morocco, Temp. Eurasia, S. Africa, Kerguelen Is..

Ecological interactions

  • Part of the diet of:

    Amphorophora ampullata, Idiopterus nephrelepidis, Apterona helicoidella, Turdus viscivorus, Turdus torquatus, Turdus pilaris, Turdus philomelos, Turdus merula…

  • Acts as a host plant for:

    Milesina dieteliana, Mycosphaerella polypodii, Milesia pycnograndis, Milesia polypodii, Asterina, Mycosphaerella tyrolensis, Milesina polypodophila, Sphaerella tyrolensis…

  • Pathogens observed in this species:

    Plectosphaera polypodii

Basic care

Watering
A regular moderate watering rhythm works best.
Light
Rotate the pot now and then for even growth.
Temperature
Prefers cooler rooms; avoid extreme dry heat.
Humidity
A middle humidity level keeps the plant steady.

Pet toxicity

Treat it as a pet-risk plant: distance and supervision.

Cats: yes (toxic). Dogs: yes (toxic).

Sources