Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza, Amer. J. Sci. Arts, ser. 2, 22: 138 (1856))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: D.C.Eaton

Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts, ser. 2, 22: 138 (1856)

Year: 1856

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polypodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Kamchatka, Aleutian Is. to NW. U.S.A.

Description

The Licorice Fern, scientifically known as Polypodium glycyrrhiza, is a fascinating and unique member of the Polypodiaceae family. Noted for its widespread presence from Kamchatka to the Aleutian Islands and ranging down to the northwestern regions of the United States, this fern has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike since its formal documentation in 1856 by D.C. Eaton, as published in the American Journal of Science and Arts.

This perennial fern derives its common name from the distinctive licoricelike flavor of its rhizome, which has historically been used by Indigenous peoples for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The taste is attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin, a compound that bears similarity to that found in true licorice plants.

Polypodium glycyrrhiza thrives in cool, moist environments, typically gracing the trunks of deciduous trees and shaded rocky outcrops with its feathery fronds. These fronds can vary in size but are typically bright green and can grow up to several feet long, providing a striking contrast in the forest understory or along shaded cliffs.

In addition to its interesting flavors and historical uses, the Licorice Fern plays a significant ecological role. It serves as a host for various epiphytic organisms and contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat. Its presence often indicates a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Thus, the Licorice Fern is not just notable for its unique flavor and historical uses but also for its ecological significance and botanical intrigue, continuing to inspire and fascinate those who study and encounter it in its natural habitat.

Common Names

Eng: licorice fern
Fra: polypode réglisse
En: Licorice fern
Fr: Polypode réglisse

Synonyms

• Polypodium vulgare var. occidentale (Hook.)
• Polypodium aleuticum (A.E.Bobrov)
• Polypodium vulgare subsp. occidentale ((Hook.) Hultén)
• Polypodium vulgare var. commune (Milde)
• Polypodium vulgare f. commune ((Milde ) M.Broun)
• Polypodium occidentale (Maxon)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by sananab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by sananab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Jesse Whittle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by sananab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by sananab (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5274957)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17189950-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C. Eaton)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth