[Illustration: The Common Polypody. _Polypodium vulgare_ (Photographed by
Miles Greenwood, Melrose, Mass.)]

(2) GRAY OR HOARY POLYPODY

_Polypodium incànum. P. polypodiòides_

Fronds oblong, two to seven inches long, deeply pinnátifid, gray and scurfy
underneath with peltate scales having a dark center. Fruit-dots rather
small, near the margin and obscured by the chaff.

[Illustration: Gray or Hoary Polypody. _Polypodium incanum_]

In appearance the gray polypody is much like the common species, as the
Greek ending _oides_ (like) implies. In Florida and neighboring states it
often grows on trees; farther north mostly on rocks. Reported as far north
as Staten Island. It is one of the "resurrection" ferns, reviving quickly
by moisture after seeming to be dead from long drouth. July to September.
Widely distributed in tropical America. Often called Tree-Polypody.




THE BRACKEN GROUP


Sporangia near or on the margin of the segments, the reflexed portions of
which serve as indusia.