Plant
Pleopeltis polylepis
Pleopeltis polylepisAlso known as Many-scaled Polypody, Scaly Polypody
Pleopeltis polylepis thrives as an epiphyte or rock-dweller across the highland pine-oak and cloud forests of Mexico and Central America. Its leathery, deeply lobed fronds are densely dusted with protective peltate scales that shield the leaf surface and slow moisture loss during seasonal dry spells. During severe droughts, the entire plant curls tightly into a desiccated bundle, unfurling within hours once mountain rains return.
EpiphyteFernResurrection Plant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
- Herbivorous insects
- Slugs
- Snails
ThreatsDeforestation, forest degradation, and altered rainfall patterns
HabitatsMontane pine-oak forests, cloud forests, and rocky ravines
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via creeping rhizomes)
Classification
- FamilyPolypodiaceae
- SpeciesPleopeltis polylepis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Branch Spotting: Scan moss-covered horizontal limbs of highland oaks to locate clinging fronds.
- Examine Scales: Use a hand lens to view the tiny peltate scales on the underside of each lobe.
Image unavailableHost Plant 
Close Relative Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-saClose Relative 
Same Family Michael Linnenbach / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.