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polypody ferns

Polypodium

Polypody ferns are lovely green plants that grow in shady places. They have long, feathery leaves that look like little fans, making them fun to touch and see!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The polypody ferns has deeply lobed, leathery fronds that are typically a vibrant green, though they can sometimes appear blue-green. Its distinctive oval or circular spore cases, called sori, are clustered on the underside of its fronds, starting yellowish and maturing to orange or brown.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyPolypodiaceaeGenusPolypodium
polypody ferns
shade_tolerant trait badgeevergreen trait badgespore_producing trait badgedecomposer trait badge
polypody ferns

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each polypody frond can release millions of microscopic spores to grow new ferns!

Polypody means "many feet" because its creeping roots spread like little feet!

Some polypody roots taste like licorice, making them a unique forest snack!

These ancient plants have been around since the time of dinosaurs! Wow!

Special abilities

Ability

Rooty Grippers

Polypody ferns can grow on rocks and tree bark using tough, creeping rhizomes that grip tightly, helping it find damp spots in unusual places.

Ability

Drought Defender

Polypody ferns has fronds that can curl up and appear to dry out during long dry spells, then unfurl when moisture returns, helping it survive harsh conditions.

Ability

Spore Shooter

Polypody ferns uses tiny spores, released from special cases on its fronds, to travel far and wide on the wind, allowing it to spread its family.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
10-40 cm
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always be gentle when touching plants, and wash your hands after exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is polypody ferns?

10-50 cm

How wide does polypody ferns spread?

10-40 cm

Is polypody ferns edible?

Yes

Is polypody ferns toxic?

None

What is polypody ferns's lifecycle?

Perennial

Where is polypody ferns usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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