Tectariaceae - Mother ferns and dotted ferns.

Photo: P. Ballings
Zimbabwe

 

Description of the family

Terrestrial or lithophytic ferns. Rhizome short and erect or widely creeping, with scales. Fronds monomorphic,tufted or widely spaced; simple to 2-pinnate, lower pinnae often basiscopically developed, often with proliferating buds along the lamina axes; veins pinnately branched, free or anastomosing. Sori circular; indusium peltate or reniform, homosporus.

Comment: The genera Megalastrum and Ctenitis have recently been put within the family of the Dryopteridaceae.

Worldwide: 8-15 genra, c. 230 species worldwide.

 

Genera

  • Arthropteris J. Sm.
  • Tectaria Cav.
  • Triplophyllum Holttum
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    Literature

  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M.2011Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature.
  • Roux, J.P.2001Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report, 13: 1-222.
  • Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E.1970Pteridophyta. Flora Zambesiaca, 0: 1-254.

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