Pleopeltis guttata (syn. Polypodium guttatum )

Mexican Licorice Polypody Polypodiaceae

A choice little epiphytic fern with an appropriately spotted personality, Pleopeltis guttata forms creeping rhizomes clothed in narrow, leathery green fronds, often carrying attractive rounded sori beneath. Native to Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid woodland, it is a plant for the sheltered fernery rather than the exposed border. 

Grow mounted on bark or in a very open, humus-rich, sharply drained medium, with bright filtered light, good humidity and regular moisture during growth, but never stagnant winter conditions. In Britain it is best treated as a protected fern, ideally under glass or in a frost-free alpine house.

Height: 10–25cm.

Spread: 20–40cm.

Hardiness: H2, (1–5°C) although can go lower