Polypodiaceae

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Polypodiaceae
Pleopeltis polypodioides fronds on an oak limb
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Pteridophyta Class: Pteridopsida Order: Polypodiales Family: Polypodiaceae
Genera
Over 60, see text
Synonyms
Drynariaceae Grammitidaceae Gymnogrammitidaceae Loxogrammaceae Platyceriaceae Pleurisoriopsidaceae

Polypodiaceae is a family of polypod ferns, which includes more than 60 genera divided into several tribes and containing around 1,000 species. Nearly all are epiphytes, but some are terrestrial. Drynariaceae, Grammitidaceae, Gymnogrammitidaceae, Loxogrammaceae, Platyceriaceae and Pleurisoriopsidaceae are nowadays usually included in the Polypodiaceae.

Their stems range from erect to long-creeping. The fronds are entire, pinnatifid, or variously forked or pinnate. The petioles lack stipules. The scaly rhizomes are generally creeping in nature.

Polypodiaceae species are found in wet climates, most commonly in rain forests. Notable examples include:

• Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection fern)
• Phlebodium aureum (Golden serpent fern)

[edit] Selected genera

[edit] External links

• Polypodiaceae (Polypody family)