Canary Islands Polypody

polypodium macaronesicum

The Canary Islands Polypody is an enchanting evergreen fern native to the misty Macaronesian archipelagos, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. It often thrives as an epiphyte, draping itself gracefully over the moss-covered branches of ancient laurel forest trees, or as a lithophyte, anchoring into damp, rocky volcanic crevices. This resilient fern plays a crucial role in its humid, cloud-kissed ecosystem, capturing atmospheric moisture and providing shelter for small invertebrates. Highly admired for its lush, feather-like fronds, it is a quintessential representative of the ancient Laurisilva forests, bringing a prehistoric, vibrant green charm to the damp woodlands it calls home.

Habitat: Typically found in highly humid, shaded environments such as Macaronesian laurel forests, often growing on mossy tree trunks, rock faces, and steep ravines.

Appearance

This fern features deeply pinnatisect, lance-shaped fronds that range from 10 to 50 centimeters in length, showcasing a vibrant, bright green coloration. The individual segments or pinnae are alternating, narrow, and have slightly wavy margins. On the undersides of fertile fronds, one can find two neat rows of conspicuous, circular, bright orange-to-golden spore-producing sori that lack a protective membrane. The fronds emerge from a creeping, fleshy rhizome that is heavily covered with reddish-brown, paper-like scales.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPolypodiaceaeGenusPolypodium

Canary Islands Polypody

Interesting facts

In times of severe dry spells, this resilient fern can dry out significantly and curl its fronds, only to quickly revive and uncurl once rain or heavy mist returns.

The species name 'macaronesicum' is a nod to Macaronesia, the group of volcanic North Atlantic archipelagos where this fern primarily thrives.

Unlike many other fern species, its sori (spore clusters) completely lack an indusium, a protective membrane, leaving the golden spores exposed to the wind.

Special abilities

Utilizes a creeping, scaly rhizome to securely clasp tree trunks and damp rocks, allowing it to grow high above the forest floor.

Adapted to humid cloud forests, it is capable of absorbing moisture directly from the heavy mist and fog that regularly blankets its habitat.

During dry spells, the fronds curl upward to reduce surface area and limit water loss, rapidly reviving once moisture returns.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-50 cm
Lifespan: 5-20 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its root-like rhizoids.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Soil Minerals

Ecological connections

host plant

Canary Laurel

Laurus novocanariensis

The fern frequently grows epiphytically on the mossy bark of this dominant canopy tree in Macaronesian cloud forests.

competitor

Hare's Foot Fern

Davallia canariensis

Competes with the Canary Islands Polypody for epiphytic space and moisture on mossy tree branches.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Canary Islands Polypody?

The easiest way to identify Canary Islands Polypody is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Canary Islands Polypody?

10-50 cm

How long does Canary Islands Polypody live?

5-20 years

What does Canary Islands Polypody eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its root-like rhizoids.

Where is Canary Islands Polypody usually found?

Typically found in highly humid, shaded environments such as Macaronesian laurel forests, often growing on mossy tree trunks, rock faces, and steep ravines.