Pleopeltis is a genus of ferns in the family Polypodiaceae (subfamily Polypodioideae), placed in the order Polypodiales. The genus is classified following the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group system (PPG I, 2016) and is widely distributed across tropical regions of the world, extending north into temperate zones in eastern North America and eastern Asia.
Members of the genus are typically epiphytic (growing on other plants) or epipetric (growing on rocks), and only rarely terrestrial. They possess a creeping rhizome that is densely covered in hairs or scales and bears fronds at intervals along its length. The fronds are evergreen, generally persisting for one to two years, and may be either entire or deeply pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib). Spore-producing sori are borne on the underside of the fronds.
Pleopeltis is closely related to Polypodium, and a number of its species have historically been included within that genus and may still appear under Polypodium in older literature. The circumscription of the genus remains subject to revision as phylogenetic research progresses. Several species in the genus are known by the common names scaly polypody and resurrection fern, the latter referring to their remarkable ability to survive severe desiccation and revive when moisture returns.
Distribution
The genus is widely distributed across tropical regions of the world, with extensions into temperate areas of eastern North America and eastern Asia. Species grow in epiphytic and epipetric habitats across this range.
Taxonomy Notes
Pleopeltis belongs to the subfamily Polypodioideae within Polypodiaceae, and its classification follows the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group (PPG I, 2016). The genus is closely allied with Polypodium, and many species have been transferred between the two genera; the limits of Pleopeltis continue to be refined as molecular phylogenetic studies advance.
