Common Polypody
Latin: Polypodium vulgare
Svenska: Stensöta
Deutsch: Gewöhnlicher Tüpfelfarn
'Mini-plants' making sperm
Common polypody have spores underneath the fronds which are spread by the wind. When the spores germinate, they form 'mini-plants' (gametophytes) whose sole purpose is to produce sperm and eggs. If an egg meets a sperm, a new common polypody fern will sprout up!
The common polypody keeps its fronds during the winter. From June to September, it builds up a reserve of spores underneath its fronds.
These ferns are common on large rocks and boulders throughout Uppland.
Photo: Emil Nilsson
Latest sightings of common polypodys in Uppland
Wikipedia article on the common polypody