| Polypodiaceae | |
|---|---|
| Pleopeltis polypodioides fronds on an oak limb | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pteridophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida/Pteridopsida (disputed) |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| (unranked): | Eupolypods |
| (unranked): | Eupolypods I |
| Family: | Polypodiaceae |
| Subfamilies/Tribes/Clades | |
| Synonyms | |
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Drynariaceae |
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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.[1]
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Stems of Polypodiaceae 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. In temperate zones, most species tend to be epiphytic or epipetric.[1]
Notable examples of ferns in this family include the resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) and the golden serpent fern (Phlebodium aureum).[1]
Polypodiaceae is usually divided into the following subfamilies and tribes. Some are classified by other authorities as separate families.[2]
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