Polypodium

Polypodium, commonly known as common polypody, is a resilient fern valued in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its soothing properties, it has long been used to support respiratory health and digestive function. This versatile plant offers a natural approach to wellness, bridging ancient botanical wisdom with modern holistic healing practices.

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

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 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, is referred to by several different names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is commonly identified by the terms 胞内寄生水螅虫属, 胞内寄生水螅虫属, and 胞内寄生水螅虫属, while it is also known as 鲟卵螅属.
Language Common Name Source
zh 胞内寄生水螅虫属 Wikidata
zh-hans 胞内寄生水螅虫属 Wikidata
zh-cn 胞内寄生水螅虫属 Wikidata
zh 鲟卵螅属 Wikidata

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 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 has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bioflavonoids, catechins, procyanidins.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
bioflavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
procyanidins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Polypodium has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include neuroprotective effects.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
neuroprotective effects 1 ★☆☆☆☆