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Polypodium guttatum

Polypodium guttatum
Frond detail
Sori
Epiphytic habit

Overview

Polypodium guttatum is an epiphytic fern with simple, leathery fronds and distinctive sunken sori that create a dotted pattern on the upper surface.

Taxonomy

Family:	Polypodiaceae
Genus:	Polypodium (pol-ee-PODE-ee-um)
Species:	guttatum (goo-TAH-tum)

Description

Fronds are simple, lanceolate, 20–40 cm long, leathery, dark green. The sori are round, sunken into the frond tissue, visible as dots on the upper surface. Rhizome is creeping, scaly.

Habitat and Cultivation

Epiphytic in tropical forests. Mount on bark or grow in hanging baskets. Bright filtered light, high humidity, warm temperatures. Keep moist.

Ferns: Hosta plantaginea: The Fragrant Species with Giant White Flowers; Comfortroot (Hibiscus aculeatus); Hibiscus hamabo: Coastal Species; Mandrinette – Hibiscus boryanus; Furcraea macdougalii: A Giant, Trunk-Forming Relative of Agave; Lemmaphyllum microphyllum; Huperzia gnidioides (Fir Clubmoss); Blechnum lehmannii; Pleopeltis angusta; Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

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