Golden polypody (Phlebodium aureum, J. Bot. (Hooker) 4: 59 (1841))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (L.) J.Sm.

Bibliography: J. Bot. (Hooker) 4: 59 (1841)

Year: 1841

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phlebodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A., Caribbean to S. Trop. America

Description

The Golden Polypody, scientifically known as Phlebodium aureum, is a vibrant fern that thrives in a range of habitats from the southeastern United States, extending through the Caribbean, and reaching into southern tropical America. Described by esteemed botanist (L.) J.Sm. and documented in J. Bot. (Hooker) 4: 59 in 1841, this striking plant belongs to the Polypodiaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and robust ferns.

This fern is recognized for its glossy, golden-green fronds that can add a touch of natural elegance to any environment. Known for their resilience, the fronds of the Golden Polypody can exhibit an almost shimmering quality in the sunlight, hence the name ‘golden’. The plant’s rhizomes, creeping beneath the surface, are covered in scales, contributing to its robust nature and ability to anchor itself on various surfaces, from forest floors to tree trunks.

Golden Polypodies tend to prefer humid, shaded environments, reflecting their native range’s subtropical and tropical climates. This makes them particularly well-suited to greenhouse cultivation or as part of indoor plant collections where they can be provided with controlled humidity and indirect light. However, they are also hardy enough to adapt to a variety of growing conditions, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Their natural habitat in regions ranging from the Southeastern U.S.A. to the varied landscapes of the Caribbean and South Tropical America means that Golden Polypodies often grow in symbiosis with other flora, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological richness of their environments. Their presence not only adds aesthetic value but also plays a role in the ecosystem by providing cover and moisture retention on the forest floor.

In summary, the Golden Polypody (Phlebodium aureum) is a stunning and versatile fern hailing from the diverse regions of southeastern North America, the Caribbean, and southern tropical America. Its lush, golden-hued fronds and hardy nature make it a beloved plant for both natural habitats and cultivated spaces alike.

Common Names

Spa: calaguala
Eng: gold-foot fern, golden polypody, hare-foot fern, rabbit-foot fern
Deu: goldtüpfelfarn
Swe: hartassbräken
En: Golden polypody, Gold-foot fern, Rabbit-foot fern, Hare-foot fern, Cabbage palm fern
Bg: Златист флебодиум
Fi: Kultaimarre
De: Goldtüpfelfarn
Pl: Flebodium złociste
Ru: Флебодиум золотистый
Es: Calaguala
Sv: Hartassbräken

Synonyms

• Polypodium auratum (Vell.)
• Chrysopteris microdictya (Fée)
• Chrysopteris martinicensis (Fée)
• Polypodium aureum (L.)
• Polypodium aureum var. pulvinatum ((Link) Baker)
• Polypodium aureum var. leucatomos ((Poir.) Krug)
• Chrysopteris grandis (Fée)
• Phlebodium pulvinatum (J.Sm.)
• Chrysopteris aurea ((L.) Link)
• Phlebodium microdictyum (T.Moore)
• Polypodium pulvinatum (Link)
• Phlebodium aureum var. pulvinatum (Farw.)
• Phlebodium grande (T.Moore)
• Chrysopteris pulvinata (Link)
• Pleopeltis aurea ((L.) C.Presl)
• Polypodium leucatomos (Poir.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Paul Sullivan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2021 by Cait Pezza (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 16, 2021 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by aja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by robert Woszak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Cécile Ttx (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Teo Manta (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Gina jax (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650479)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17175390-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phlebodium aureum (L.) J. Sm.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth