From the Greek ‘Poly’ ( = many) and ‘podus’ ( = feet). This refers to the creeping rhizome having two rows of fronds on the top surface. When these break off the scars resemble rows of footprints.

A large genus of 150 species of evergreen ferns, mostly from the tropics. Hardy species are mainly found in rocky areas, including stone walls. They are easy to grow in rockeries, containers or stony soil. Once established they tolerate full sun and dry conditions. They prefer more open sites than most other ferns.