Phlebodium (Polypodium) aureum
רב-רגל זהוב
Family: Polypodiaceae | Origin: America from Brazil to Florida
This beautiful and special fern, commonly called Blue Star Polypodium or Bear's-Foot Fern, comes from America and its Latin name has been changed recently from Polypodium to Phlebodium due to some distinction from the rest of its genus, but it is still a respectable member of the Polypodiaceae (Many Feet) family.
This family includes about 1000 species of ferns, most of which have a creeping rhizome covered with scales – hence the 'feet' in the family name.
Blue Star Polypodium has a thick blue-gray colored rhizome covered with golden-brown hairs with which it clings to and grows on trees in the wild.
Large, feathery leaves (50-80 cm long), which in bright light have an impressive metallic blue-grey sheen, emerge from the rhizome. When mature, the leaves grow golden spores on their undersides.
This is an excellent plant for a pot or a hanging basket from mild sun to full shade, which also does well indoors with a lot of light.
In nature there are populations that completely dry their leaves during periods of drought and the plant is very resistant to drought, compared to tropical ferns.
Still, it should be watered regularly while making sure it has very good drainage.
With the warming climate, Blue Star Polypodium might suffer in extreme summers at the coast areas, so one should opt for cooler corners there.
On the other hand, it is hardy in the Jerusalem area and recovers well from the damage of cold winters. You can safely grow it outdoors without fear and enjoy its tropical and decorative appearance for many years.
For the Hebrew article about Blue Star Polypodium press here
