Polypodium vulgare

Polypody fern

Polypodium vulgare, commonly known as common polypody, is a resilient perennial fern found in moist, shady woodlands. Renowned in traditional herbalism, this plant is primarily valued for its soothing properties, often used to support respiratory health and digestive function through its unique bioactive compounds and restorative medicinal qualities.

  • Scientific name: Polypodium vulgare
  • Family: Polypodiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Polypodiaceae and falls under the genus Polypodium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Polypodiinae WCVP
Order Polypodiales WCVP
Family Polypodiaceae WCVP
Genus Polypodium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Polypodium vulgare, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Polish, it is called paprotka zwyczajna, while in French, it is known as Polypode commun. In Belarusian, the name used is Мнаганожка звычайная, and in Russian, it is called Многоножка обыкновенная. Additionally, it is referred to as Hanachiwa in the qu language.
Language Common Name Source
pl paprotka zwyczajna Wikidata
qu Hanachiwa Wikidata
fr Polypode commun Wikidata
be Мнаганожка звычайная Wikidata
ru Многоножка обыкновенная Wikidata
nds-nl Gewone addervere Wikidata
fi kallioimarre Wikidata
uk Солодиця звичайна Wikidata
gl Fento dos valos Wikidata
et kivi-imar Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern reaches of Europe. Within Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence extends to the island territories of the Faroe Islands, known as Føroyar. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the various regions of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range reaches as far north as the rugged terrain of Iceland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Chemicals

Polypodium vulgare has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, catechol, epicatechin, flavonoids, shikimic acid.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
shikimic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Polypodium vulgare has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include CNS-Depressant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
CNS-Depressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Polypodium vulgare has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, oxidative stress, seizures, wound healing.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Obsessive-compulsive disorder 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obsessive-compulsive disorder 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seizures 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆