75 
CHAPTER X. 
POLTPODIUM. — Masses of seed rounds without 
indusium. 
Polypodium yulgaee. Common Polypody. 
Frond strap-shaped, tapering at the apex, deeply 
cut down to the stem ; pinnae not stalked. Root 
thick and creeping, clinging to the trunks of trees, 
and inserting itself into the interstices of walls ; at 
the point where the fronds spring, the root is 
covered with brown scales. Masses of seed large, 
round, and when mature bright-yellow. 
Var. acutum has the points of the pinnaD much 
drawn out and tapering. 
Var. lifidum has the points of the pinnae divided 
into two or more lobes. This second division is 
often confined to the lower part of the frond ; this 
variety is usually rigid and thick in texture. 
Var. interruptum has its pinnae irregular, and at 
times wanting, while the apices of some are twice 
or thrice forked. Found near Ilfracombe. 
