Polypodium polypodioides (L.) Watt

Resurrection Fern

© DETenaglia

Family - Polypodiaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

	Adaxial surface of leaf.
© DETenaglia

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No flowers, plant reproducing by spores.

	Close-up of the sori.
© DETenaglia

Flowering - June - September.

Habitat - Epiphytic on trees, also found in rock crevices.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - The "Resurrection Fern" can be found mostly in the southeast corner of Missouri. The plant is unmistakable in the field because of its epiphytic habitat and often dry leaves. The leaves remain dry and curled much of the time and become lush and green after a rain. It has been estimated that this species could go 100 years without water and would revive after a single soaking.

Photographs taken in Gainesville, FL., 2-17-03.