| Ferns and Fern Allies | |||
| Common Name: | California Polypody | Scientific Name: | Polypodium californicum |
| Best Seen: | Throughout the year. | Native: | Yes |
| Special Comments: | This small fern grows along the embankment of Aptos Creek and in other moist, shady spots throughout the forest. During winter, it has been seen growing between the barbecue pit cobblestones at Pourroy's Picnic Area.
California polypody can be recognized by its rounded leaf tip and by round brownish uncovered spores underneath the leaf. (Take your hand lens and examine the unencased spores). Also, its pinnae grow from the stem. (See picture below) |
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| Click picture to enlarge | |||
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