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. Drynariaceae, Grammitidaceae, Gymnogrammitidaceae, Loxogrammaceae, Platyceriaceae and Pleurisoriopsidaceae are nowadays usually included in the Polypodiaceae.

Their stems 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.

Notable examples of ferns in this family include:

• Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection fern)
• Phlebodium aureum (Golden serpent fern)

Selected genera

See also

• List of foliage plant diseases (Polypodiaceae)

References

• G. Panigrahi and S.N. Patnaik (1961), Cytology of Some Genera of Polypodiaceae in Eastern India, Nature 191, 1207 - 1208.