Polypodium vulgare aka Common Polypody

Polypodium vulgare, also known as the common polypody, is an evergreen fern that belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. It is believed to be an allotetraploid species, resulting from the chromosome doubling of a sterile diploid hybrid between two ferns that are not native to Europe. The potential parents of this fern are Polypodium sibiricum from northern Asia and northern North America, and Polypodium glycyrrhiza from western North America. There is also evidence suggesting a species from eastern Asia as the second possible parent. The name "Polypodium" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "pous, podos" meaning "a foot". This clump-forming fern is evergreen and has lance-shaped, leathery fronds that are dark green in color. The fronds are deeply divided and have linear, crested leaflets, with the crest being particularly prominent towards the tips of the fronds. Polypodium vulgare can be found growing terrestrially or as an epiphyte. It has a creeping rhizome that is densely hairy or scaly, and it produces fronds at intervals along its length. The size and appearance of the ferns in this species can vary, as well as the characteristics of the fronds. The fronds are evergreen and can persist for 1-2 years. They are pinnate or pinnatifid, rarely simple entire, and can reach lengths of 10-80 cm or more. On the back of the fronds, you can find groups of spore-cases called sori. These sori are globose and naked, meaning they are not covered by a membrane (indusium). Aside from its ornamental value in horticulture, Polypodium vulgare has historical uses in cooking and herbal medicine. It is known for its pleasant aroma and sweet taste, making it a popular ingredient in various dishes. In herbal medicine, it has been used as a purgative and vermifuge. Today, it is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for shady areas. Polypodium 'Green Wave' is a commonly used cultivar. While most ferns are not used in cooking, Polypodium vulgare is one of the few that has a bitter-sweet taste and can be used as a spice, such as in nougat.