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Description
Polypodium Calirhiza, commonly known as the California Polypody or Leather Fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in California and Oregon. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm tall, and its fronds are evergreen and leathery.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Pteridopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Polypodium |
Appearance
The California Polypody has several fronds that grow from a central rhizome. The fronds are leathery, evergreen, and can grow up to 50 cm in length. They are divided into several small leaflets that are dark green in color and have a shiny surface. The leaflets are oblong or lance-shaped and have a pointed tip. The California Polypody does not produce flowers or seeds, but reproduces through spores.
Care Guide
Water: The California Polypody prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization: The California Polypody does not require frequent fertilization, but you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Soil: The California Polypody prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The California Polypody prefers partial to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight. It can grow in areas with low to moderate light, such as under trees or in shaded areas of the garden.
Hardiness Zones: The California Polypody is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Polypody is generally a healthy plant and is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. To prevent pest infestations, regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The California Polypody can also be affected by root rot if the soil is waterlogged or poorly drained.
Habitat
The California Polypody is native to western North America, particularly in California and Oregon. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the California Polypody be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the California Polypody can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
Q: How often should the California Polypody be repotted?
A: The California Polypody does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot it only when it outgrows its container or when the soil becomes compacted.
Q: How do I propagate the California Polypody?
A: The California Polypody can be propagated through spores or by division. To propagate by spores, collect spores from mature fronds and sow them in a container filled with moist, well-draining soil. To propagate by division, carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in separate containers.
Q: Is the California Polypody toxic to pets?
A: The California Polypody is non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats.
Related Plants
- Polypodium vulgare
- Polypodium glycyrrhiza
- Polypodium scouleri
- Polypodium virginianum
References
- “Polypodium calirhiza.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b530.
- “Polypodium calirhiza.” PlantNet. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/calflora/plant.php?name=Polypodium+calirhiza.
- “Polypodium calirhiza.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12911/i-Polypodium-calirhiza-i/Details.
