large genus with about 350 species, widely distributed, mostly in tropical
regions.

(1) COMMON POLYPODY. _Polypodium vulgare_

Fronds somewhat leathery in texture, evergreen, four to ten inches tall,
smooth, oblong, and nearly pinnate. The large fruit-dots nearly midway
between the midrib and the margin, but nearer the margin.

[Illustration: Common Polypody. _Polypodium vulgare_]

Common everywhere on cliffs, usually in half shade, and may at times spring
out of decaying logs or the trunks of trees. As the jointed stipes, harking
back to some ancient mode of fern growth, fall away from the rootstocks
after their year of greenness, they leave behind a scar as in Solomon's
seal. The polypody is a gregarious plant. By intertwining its roots the
fronds cling together in "cheerful community," and a friendly eye discovers
their beauty a long way off. August. Abounds in every clime, including
Europe and Japan.

In transplanting, sections should be cut, not pulled from the matted mass.

Var. _cambricum_ has segments broader and more or less strongly toothed.

Var. _cristatum_ has the segments forked at the ends.

Several other forms are also found.

[Illustration: Fruited Frond]