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Resurrection Fern
Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxianum (L.)E.G.Andrews & Wind.
(plee-o-PEL-tus pa-lee-po-di-OY-deez var. mi-show-zi-AN-um
Synonym (Polypodium polypodioides var. michauxianum)
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General:
This interesting
evergreen fern conserves moisture by curling up and appearing to be
dead, but with the next rain it unfolds and appears to be
“resurrected.” It is an epiphyte (lives in trees), preferring the
rough bark of Cypress and Live Oak trees. Resurrection fern often
forms a moist home for other “air plants” like orchids and bromeliads.
Interestingly, the
fronds curl upward and inward, exposing the lower surfaces containing
the stomata through which most plants transpire moisture. This
seems odd, but it enables to leaves to absorb small amounts of moisture
from the air and rehydrate rapidly when it rains. It can loose
97% of its moisture and still remain alive. (Nelson, p.8)
Fruiting Parts:
The sori form prominent
reddish brown dots in two rows on the underside of the fertile pinnae,
usually toward the tips. They are so deeply set that they form
bumps on the surface.
Leaves/Stems:
The leathery, pinnately
compound fronds are about 20 cm. (8 in.) long with 6-12 pairs of pinnae
(leaflets) with rounded tips. The tops are dark green with a few
hairs and scales, but the underside of each frond is covered with hairs
and tiny brown scales.
The rhizomes are round
and covered with dense chaff and tiny scales. They are deeply
imbedded in the tree bark to prevent moisture loss.
Distribution:
This fern is a common sight on rough tree bark in hammocks and forests throughout Florida and the Southeast.
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