Polypodiaceae
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Polypody family
Polypodiaceae
ウラボシ科
A large family predominantly of epiphytic ferns. Sori are typically exindusiate (without indusia), round to elliptic, and positioned at the junctions of veins (nodes of anastomosing veins). In Japan, species such as Polypodium, Lepisorus, and Crypsinus grow epiphytically on tree trunks and rock faces.
Key Characteristics
- ●Sori exindusiate (lacking indusia)
- ●Sori round to elliptic, positioned at vein junctions
- ●Anastomosing venation well-developed
- ●Predominantly epiphytic (on tree trunks and rock faces)
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Polypodiaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous to Paleogene (ca. 70 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
ウラボシ属（Polypodium）ノキシノブ属（Lepisorus）エゾデンダ属（Polypodiodes）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Loss of indusia (transition to exindusiate sori)
- ・Extensive adaptation to epiphytic life
- ・Occupation of epiphytic niches in conjunction with angiosperm canopy expansion
Plants in Polypody family on this site
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