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Polypodium vulgare Polypody Evergreen fern (1 Page of 5) The Polypodium vulgare plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Polypody. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Polypodium vulgare Common Name: Polypody Family: Polypodiaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. Mature Height: 0.3 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Rocks, walls and trees, as well as on the ground, in a variety of habitats[187] but especially in humid shady conditions[31].
Edible Uses: Root. Very sweet, it contains sugars, tannin and oils[13]. It is used as a liquorice adulterant[7]. The root has a unique, rather unpleasant odour and a sweet (cloying) flavour at first though it quickly becomes nauseating[222]. The root contains 15.5% saccharose and 4.2% glucose[218].
For further Polypodium vulgare gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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