plant · GBIF taxon 2650496
Resurrection Fern
Pleopeltis polypodioidesAlso known as Miracle Fern, Little Gray Polypody, Scaly Polypody
Resurrection ferns drape themselves along the massive, horizontal limbs of mature live oaks and bald cypresses, forming lush, green carpets. During dry spells, these remarkable epiphytes lose up to 97 percent of their water content, curling into shriveled, brown ribbons that appear completely dead. Within hours of a rain shower, they miraculously rehydrate and unfurl into vibrant, emerald-green fronds.
EpiphyticDrought-ResistantEvergreen
Licensed referenceWikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- family
- Polypodiaceae
- threats
- Deforestation, loss of mature host trees, and extreme prolonged droughts
- life Span
- Perennial (can live for decades)
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Observe the transformation: Visit after a heavy rain to see the dried, brown fronds miraculously unfurl into lush green.
- Look up: Scan the horizontal limbs of mature live oaks and bald cypress trees in the American South.
- Do not harvest: Leave wild specimens attached to their host trees to preserve the local micro-ecosystem.