Schizaeaceae

Schizaea Sm.

Photo: JE. Burrows
South Africa

 

Description of the genus

Rhizome short, horizontal. Fronds closely spaced, grass-like, narrowly linear. Fertile portion in an apical, comb-like, pinnate segment, its segments with narrow margins. Sporangia born in a single row on each side of a segment vein, covered by the pinnae margin when young, but later produting.

 

Derivation of name:  schizein: to split, referring to the finely divided, comb-like, pinnate apical portion of the fertile frond.

Worldwide: 20-28 species, pantropical distribution

 

Key to the species of Schizaea: PDF

 

We have 3 taxa in the database for Schizaea.

  • Schizaea dichotoma (L.) Sm.
  • Schizaea pectinata (L.) Sw.
  • Schizaea tenella Kaulf.
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    Literature

  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. (2011) Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature.
  • Jacobsen, W.B.G. (1983) The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria.
  • Roux, J.P. (2001) Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta.Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report, 13: 1-222.
  • Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E. (1970) Pteridophyta.Flora Zambesiaca, 0: 1-254.

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