Welsh polypody (Polypodium cambricum, Sp. Pl.: 1086 (1753))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1086 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polypodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: NW. Europe to Medit. and Caucasus

Description

The Welsh polypody, scientifically known as Polypodium cambricum, is a species of fern that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has a rich history of study and observation dating back to the 18th century. Notably cataloged in the authoritative work “Species Plantarum,” it has maintained its status as an intriguing subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Polypodium cambricum is endemic to a diverse geographical range, primarily extending through Northwestern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and even reaching the Caucasus. The plant’s adaptability to varied climates and habitats makes it an interesting specimen within its family.

Characterized by its evergreen fronds, the Welsh polypody thrives in humid and shaded environments, often found in parts of forests, rocky crevices, and alongside streams. The fern’s delicate, finely divided leaves not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing a habitat for various species of insects and small animals.

Ecologically, Polypodium cambricum contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. It helps in soil stabilization, preventing erosion, and its presence indicates a healthy, balanced habitat. This fern is also an essential component of the understorey vegetation, enriching soil quality through its decomposing fronds and thereby supporting the larger forest environment.

Although it is not as widely cultivated as some other ornamental ferns, the Welsh polypody has found its place in gardens and greenhouses of fern enthusiasts who appreciate its unique structure and resilience. Moreover, its historical medicinal uses in traditional practices – often employed for its purported therapeutic properties – add another layer to its significance.

In summary, Polypodium cambricum, with its historical and ecological importance, stands out as a fascinating plant within the Polypodiaceae family. From its first identification to its role in the ecosystems across Europe and beyond, it continues to captivate those who study and admire the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: southern polypody, welsh polypody
Dan: sydlig engelsød
Deu: südlicher tüpfelfarn
Swe: sydstensöta
Nld: gedrongen eikvaren
Cym: llawredynen gymreig
En: Welsh polypody, Southern polypody
Ar: سرخس كمبري
Bg: Камбрийска сладка папрат
Ca: Herba pigotera
Da: Sydlig engelsød
Nl: Gedrongen eikvaren
Fr: Polypode du Sud, Polypode austral
De: Säge-Tüpfelfarn, Südlicher Tüpfelfarn
He: רב-רגל פשוט
It: Polipodio del Galles, Polipodio mediterraneo, Polipodio meridionale
Fa: بس‌پایک ولزی
Es: Filipodio, Polipodio
Sv: Sydstensöta
Cy: Llawredynen Gymreig

Synonyms

• Polypodium australe (Fée)
• Polypodium vulgare var. serratum (Willd.)
• Polypodium vulgare var. acutilobum (Salis)
• Polypodium vulgare f. cambricum ((L.) M.Broun)
• Polypodium cambricum subsp. serrulatum ((F.W.Schultz ex Arcang.) Pic.Serm.)
• Polypodium cambricum subsp. australe ((Fée) Greuter & Burdet)
• Polypodium australe f. crispum (G.Kunkel)
• Goniophlebium cambricum ((L.) Farw.)
• Polypodium australe var. cambricum ((Willd.) Askerov)
• Polypodium vulgare subsp. cambricum ((L.) Arcang.)
• Polypodium vulgare var. cambricum ((L.) Gray)
• Polypodium vulgare var. caprinum (Christ)
• Polypodium vulgare subsp. serrulatum (Arcang.)
• Polypodium vulgare var. hibernicum (T.Moore)
• Polypodium cambricum f. serrulatum ((F.W.Schultz ex Arcang.) F.M.Vázquez)
• Polypodium vulgare subsp. serratum ((Willd.) Christ)
• Polypodium australe subsp. subintegrum ((Fom.) Askerov)
• Polypodium vulgare var. semilacerum (Woll.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 16, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Portici Giacomo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Portici Giacomo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Jean marie Duquenoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2019 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Jean-François Baudin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by Juan Bosco Ponz Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by indipiku (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 10, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by myriam deroo (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/5274944)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17184700-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polypodium cambricum L.)

Specifications

Growth