Polypody


Polypody

A genus of about 75 species of mostly evergreen, often epiphytic ferns with fleshy, creeping rhizomes, occurring in mainly northern temperate regions. Polypodies make good groundcovers for damp, shady areas beneath trees, and in the wild often grow on trees. Polypodium vulgare has numerous cultivars, grown as ornamentals for their elegant fronds. It has an ancient history as an herb, being recommended by Dioscorides for chapped or dislocated hands, and by Culpeper as a laxative. The rhizome is rich in mucilate, containing sladin, a sweet-tasting saponin. This sweetness is very noticeable in P. glycyrhhiza (licorice fern), used by native N Americans to treat measles and coughs. Polypodium is from the Greek polys, "many", and pous, "foot", referring to the much-branched leaves.

Evergreen, creeping, often epiphytic fern, with rhizomes about 1cm (⅜in) thick, which are densely clad in red-brown scales when young. Fronds are up to 40cm (16in) long, pinnately lobed, almost to the midrib, into 20-40 lanceolate segments.


Common Name:
Polypody
Botanical Name:
Polypodium vulgare
Genus:
Polypodium
Family:
Polypodiaceae
Native Location:
Europe, Africa, and E asia, mostly in northern or upland areas.
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained, rich soil in semi-shade. Leaves may be damaged by rust.
Propagation:
By spores sown when ripe at 15-16°C (59-61°F); by division in spring or early summer.
Harvest:
Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and used, usually fresh, in decoctions, liquid extracts, syrups, and tinctures.
Height:
30cm (12in)
Width:
Indefinite
Variations:
Cornubiense
Has finely cut, light green fronds that may be tripinnate or quadripinnate. Pinnate fronds, resembling those of the species, should be removed.
Hardiness:
Z5-8
Parts Used:
Rhizomes
Properties:
A very sweet, slightly acrid, warming herb that acts as an expectorant and diuretic, increases bile flow, promotes healing, improves digestion and liver function, and kills intestinal worms. It also has anti-rheumatic, alterative, and mild purgative effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for dry cough, bronchial mucus, chest infections, pleurisy, arthritis, indigestion, poor appetite, hepatitis, jaundice, constipation (especially in children), and intestinal parasites (especially tapeworm). Combined with Althaea officinalis (See, Marshmallow) for bronchial complaints. Externally for wounds. May cause a rash, which is harmless.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 327