Polypodium lineare

Physical Characteristics

Polypodium lineare is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.2 m (0ft 10in). It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Diuretic Dysentery Urinary The whole plant is antiphlogistic and diuretic[147, 178]. It is used in the treatment of urinary calculus[178], urinary tract infections, bacterial dysentery, chronic bronchitis and rheumatism[147].

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].