Pleopeltis michauxiana (Weath.) Hickey & Sprunt

Resurrection Fern; Gray Polypody; Scaly Polypody

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Resurrection Fern is a native perennial member of the Polypody Family (Polypodiaceae). It occurs statewide in Alabama. Resurrection Fern grows in a variety of habitats. It is often epiphytic (growing on another plant but not a parasite), epipetric (growing on rocks), or rarely found on soil in exposed areas such as roadside banks. Resurrection Fern is commonly seen on pecan, southern magnolia, and various species of oak. It has long creeping rhizomes that adhere to the bark by fibrous roots. The fronds (leaves) are evergreen and once pinnately divided. They are covered in scales, especially when young. The spores are produced sporangia which are clustered in sori (groupings of sporangia) on the undersides of the fronds. Resurrection Fern is strongly hygroscopic. When moisture is lacking the fronds curl up and appear dead. When water is applies they unfold and “resurrect”, often in a few minutes time.--A. Diamond

This species has traditionally been treated as Pleopeltis polypodioides [Polypodium polypodioides]. However, recent data suggests it is distinct from that taxon.

Native

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