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Phlebodium aureum
(L.) J.Sm.
Golden Polypody
Polypodiaceae
Phlebodium aureum is a species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is native to North and South America, and is sometimes grown as an houseplant or used for its medicinal properties.
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Description
Phlebodium aureum is a creeping plant, with stems that are 8 to 15 (occasionally up to 30) mm in diameter; the stems are densely covered in brownish scales that are 10 to 20 mm long. Leaves are large, bright or dull grayish green, arching or drooping, 30 to 130 cm long on a 15 to 50 cm long petiole. They are deeply pinnately lobed, with each lobe being 6 to 20 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide. The lobes are narrow, linear to lanceolate to elliptic, smooth-edged or wavy-edge. Sori are borne in two rows along the midrib (FNAEC 1993).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
In Central America this plant is grown for its medicine. The rhizome is used to treat wounds and sores. The plant is used to treat a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, asthma, and rheumatism (Austin 2004). It can also be grown as a houseplant, spreading via rhizomes and preferring partial sun, as well as some humidity and moisture in the soil (FNPS).
Distribution
Phlebodium aureum grows as an epiphyte on trees (such as Sabal palmetto) or logs, in moist places like swamps. Its native range is Florida (and extreme southeastern Georgia) to Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America (FNAEC 1993).
Status
References
Austin, D. F. 2004. Florida Ethnobotany. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
FNPS (Florida Native Plant Society). Phlebodium aureum. [accessed 2019 Jun 15]. https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/phlebodium-aureum
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
FNPS (Florida Native Plant Society). Phlebodium aureum. [accessed 2019 Jun 15]. https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/phlebodium-aureum
Description
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