Phlebodium aureum, the golden polypod

Phlebodium aureum grows on the eastern side of the American continent, from Georgia to Brazil. This blue-fringed fern thrives in humid environments such as swamps and cloud forests. But it can also flourish in your kitchen or bathroom.

Golden polypodium is an epiphytic fern with a bushy habit. This variety, along with phlebodium pseudoaureum, is one of the largest of the Phlebodium genus. The largest specimens exceed one metre in height and 60 centimetres in spread.

Phlebodium aureum is sometimes nicknamed rabbit's foot because of its roots. The outcropping rhizomes are covered with a brown scale and resemble small, hairy paws.

Stalks often reach 60 centimetres. Green when young, they turn golden with age. They support arched, triangular fronds. They measure between 30 centimetres and 1.5 metres long and 10 to 50 centimetres wide. Deeply lobed, a frond contains up to 50 segments. The blue-green pinnae are linear and lanceolate. Their edges are serrated.

Phlebodium aureum produces neither flowers nor fruit. This fern reproduces by spores. These appear in summer and are grouped together in sporangia. These blond spots can be seen on the underside of the fronds, on either side of the midrib.

Golden goosefoot is not toxic. It is even said to have depolluting and medicinal properties. In South America, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat skin problems and asthma.