Athyrium crassicaule J.P.Roux
Synonyms |
Asplenium filix-femina sensu Sim, non Bernh. |
|---|---|
Common name |
|
Description |
Rhizome erect, sparsely brached from the base, up to 9 x 4.5 cm, caudices single or in small clusters; rhizome scales linear in outline, twisted, apex gradually tapering to a point, margin entire, up to 1.4 cm long, dark chestnut brown. Fronds monomorphic, tufted, erect to arching. Stipe up to 50 cm long, green to yellow green, straw-coloured when dry, darker towards the base, base densely set with scales similar to those of the rhizome, more glabrous towards the lamina. Lamina 3-pinnatifid, narrowly ovate to lanceolate in outline, 50-70 x 26-37 cm; pinnae lanceolate to narrowly elliptic in outline, the basal pairs slightly reduced, basiscopic pinnules slightly longer throughout the lamina; ultimate lobes narrowly ovate to oblong in outline, with the acroscopic lobes more developed, hairless on both surfaces, distal margin dentate-serrate; rhachis yellowish, parsely set with scales. Sori 1 per ultimate lobe, set close to the costule, curved or J-shaped; indusium subentire. |
Notes | A. crassicaule could be confused with A. schimperi and A. newtonii. A. schimperi has a creeping, branched rhizome and obviously reduced basal pinnae. A. newtonii has an unbranched rhizome and erect caudex, it occurs at deeply shaded forest streambanks. |
Derivation | crassicaule: thick-stemmed; this fern has a thick, robust, upright stem. |
Habitat | Base of boulders in high altitude grassland, in openings and on margins of montane forest patches, margins of mist belt forest; 1500-2400m. |
Distribution worldwide | See African distribution. |
Distribution in Africa |
|
Growth form |
Terrestrial. |
Literature |
|