Microgramma heterophylla

Microgramma heterophylla (L.) Wherry

Synonym: Polypodium heterophyllum

Common Names: Climbing Polypody, Climbing Fern Vine

Family: Polypodiaceae

Habit: Microgramma heterophylla grows in 2 forms.  A sessile, creeping oval form and climbing elliptic/linear sterile and fertile fronds from a short scaly rhizome to 3 mm in diameter.  Glabrous subsessile fronds numerous from the rhizome, Each frond linear, up to 12 cm in length and 1 cm wide, with an entire margin and acute apex.

The round sori are arranged in rows parallel to the secondary veins along the abaxial surface.  There is no indusium.

Habitat: Microgramma heterophylla grows as an epiphyte/climbing vine in sinkholes, wet shady areas in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Forests (coppice).

Distribution: Microgramma heterophylla is known to occur in the central and northern islands of the Lucayan Archipelago as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Florida.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Microgramma heterophylla is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago.