Polypodium vulgare Polypody

A common fern in Britain which grows on rocky substrates (e.g. walls) and commonly occurs as an epiphyte on acid-barked trees, e.g. Oak (Quercus spp.) It is readily confused with Intermediate Polypody (Polypodium interjectum), but typical specimens have fronds that are more or less parallel-sided for much of their length, rather than ovate (see also description of Polypodium vulgare sens.lat. for other distinguishing features). The sporangia of Common Polypody have usually 10-14 thickend cells in the annulus (see photo). It is a common epiphyte on trees in Sessile-oak woodland in West Glamorgan.

Native