Dennstaedtiaceae

Microlepia C. Presl

Photo: P. Ballings
Zimbabwe

 

Description of the genus

Rhizome creeping. Fronds closely spaced. Lamina pinnate to 4-pinnatifid, often large, herbaceous, pubescent; veins free, rarely anastomising. Sori subcircular, borne at the vein endings, which also bear a conspicuous gland; indusium cup-shaped, opening towards the margin. Spores trilete.

 

Derivation of name:  micros: small, lepis: scale; sori are covered by a small indusium.

Worldwide: c. 45 species worldwide, mostly in tropical Asia.

 

 

We have 3 taxa in the database for Microlepia.

  • Microlepia fadenii Pic.Serm.
  • Microlepia speluncae (L.) T. Moore
  • Microlepia strigosa (Thunb. ex Murray) C. Presl
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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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