This species and Polypodium cryptocarpon are difficult to separate and may be only varietally distinct[].

Common Name:

General Information

Polypodium furfuraceum is a fern, usually growing on rocks or the trunks of trees, producing fronds 10 - 37cm long from a creeping rhizome 1 - 4mm thick[].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
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[].

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitat

In forests and wooded ravines, on tree trunks or on rocks or cliffs, at elevations from 700 - 2,100 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	0.25 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used as an analgesic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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