polypody

Polypodium · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Polypody, scientifically known as Polypodium, is a versatile fern renowned for its historical medicinal significance. Primarily used in traditional herbalism, its rhizomes contain bioactive compounds that offer soothing properties for the respiratory and digestive systems. This resilient plant remains a fascinating subject for those exploring natural wellness and ethnobotany.

Family
Polypodiaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Polypody · Polypodies · 2 more
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Polypodium

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Polipodio
  • Helechos milpiés o polipodios
  • Polipodio

German:

  • Tüpfelfarne
  • Tüpfelfarne

French:

  • Polypode
  • polypode
  • Polypodes

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, falling under the family Polypodiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Polypodium.

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark and Finland. Its presence is also noted within the Faroe Islands, locally known as Føroyar. Additionally, the species inhabits the diverse landscapes of Great Britain. Finally, its range extends to the unique volcanic terrain of Iceland.

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Polypodium has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bioflavonoids, Procyanidins, catechins.

Chemicals reported in Polypodium
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Bioflavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Procyanidins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
catechins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Bioflavonoids

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Procyanidins

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

catechins

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Polypodium has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include neuroprotective effects.

Conditions investigated for Polypodium
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Neuroprotective effects 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Neuroprotective effects

  1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)