Elaphoglossum - Lomariopsidaceae

Elaphoglossum isabelense Brause

 

 

 

 

Synonyms

Common name

Description

Rhizome erect; rhizome scales lanceolate in outline, apex acute, margin fimbriate, 0.8 cm long. Fronds dimorphic, tufted, subcoriaceous. Stipe of sterile fronds 8-10 cm, of fertile fronds 12-14 cm, scales similar to rhizome scales. Lamina simple, lanceolate in outline, apex acute, base wedge-shaped, smooth but with a few stellate hairs when young, sterile lamina 45-50 cm long, fertile lamina 28 x 2.5 cm; costa grooved on the undersurface; veins simple or forked, not reaching the margin. Sori covering the undersurface of the fertile frond.

Notes

Derivation

isabelense: this fern was first found on Santa Isabel (nowadays Malabo), capital of Fernando Poo (nowadays Bioko Island).

Habitat

On trees in Cyathea woodland, 1220-1370 m altitude.

Distribution worldwide

See African distribution.

Distribution in Africa

Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (incl. Bioko).

Growth form

Epiphytic.

Literature

  • Roux, J.P. (2009) Synopsis of the Lycopodiophyta and Pteridophyta of Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands. Strelitzia 23, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Page 129.
  • Tardieu-Blot, M.-L. (1964) Ptéridophytes vol.3.Flore du Cameroun, Pages 297 - 298. (Includes a picture).

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