POLYPODIUM VULGARE L. – Common Polypody

Family: Polypodiaceae Berchtold et J. Presl

Distribution: Europe, temperate Asia, mountains of Northern Africa, Southern Africa, antarctic islands Kerguelen, Northern America, Hawaiian Islands.
Habitat: Grows in woods, on shady rocks.
Description: Perennial fern with creeping rhizome and evergreen leaves, 10–30 cm high. The leaves are pinnately divided, pinnules alternate, lanceolate and entire. Sporangia ripen from July to August. The plant is very variable.
Note: The rhizomes are used medicinally.

Photos: 9. 11. 2003 (Czechia, Brno).