Polypodium glycyrrhiza have random placement, originating at various points. The rhizome appears reddish-brown, and is a sweet licorice-flavored. The name "glycyrrhiza" refers to this flavor--"glykys" in Greek means sweet, with "rhiza" meaning root. Since it is a fern, "P. glycyrrhiza" reproduces by spores; the spores grow in a pattern of spots on the undersides of the leaves. These sori may be oval in immaturity. Licorice fern may grow over the ground, rocks, or as an epiphyte. The plant prefers moist environments, so it is typically found on wet ground, rocks, and logs. Occasionally it can be seen on fallen trees. It is
Schisandra glabra more. Leaves are elliptic to cordate (heart-shaped), up to 13 cm (5.2 inches) long. The plant is monoecious, with staminate (male, pollen-producing) and pistillate (female, seed-producing) flowers separate on the same plant. Sepals are whitish, petals pink or red. Berries are red, spherical to ellipsoid, up to 15 mm (0.6 inches) long. It can be found in wooded bluffs, hillsides and ravines at elevations less than 500 m (1650 feet). Some sources spell the name "Schizandra", while others use the now-rejected name "Stellandria". "Schisandra" is the accepted spelling. Schisandra glabra Schisandra glabra, the bay star-vine, is the only American species