About Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae, the polypody family, is a family of ferns in the order Polypodiales, with about 65 genera and around 1,650 species under the PPG I classification. It is distributed worldwide in humid regions and is most diverse in tropical rainforests. Nearly all members are epiphytes on trees or rocks, with creeping, scaly rhizomes and round sori on the underside of the fronds that lack an indusium. In horticulture the staghorn ferns (Platycerium), with their distinct shield fronds and fertile fronds, are the best known, and genera such as Microsorum and Pyrrosia are also cultivated. Under PPG I the former family Platyceriaceae and several others are included in Polypodiaceae.
Platycerium, the staghorn ferns, is a genus in subfamily Platycerioideae of the family Polypodiaceae with about 18 species in tropical Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Australia and, for one species, South America. They are epiphytic ferns growing on trees and rocks, with two kinds of fronds: sterile shield fronds that cover the base and trap litter and water, and antler-like fertile fronds bearing sporangia at their tips. P. bifurcatum, P. veitchii and P. superbum are widely grown mounted on boards or in hanging baskets.
Scientific Name
Polypodiaceae