Claim: Polypodium is derived from Ancient Greek, they are commonly called polypodies and are terrestrial thus grow on land.
Evidence: The name is derived from Ancient Greek poly (πολύ) "many" + podion (πόδιον) "little foot", on account of the foot-like appearance of the rhizome and its branches. They are commonly called polypodies or rockcap ferns, but for many species unique vernacular names exist. They are terrestrial or epiphytic ferns, with a creeping, densely hairy or scaly rhizome bearing fronds at intervals along its length. A terrestrial plant is a plant that grows on, in, or from land.