Ophioglossum - Ophioglossaceae

Ophioglossum bergianum Schltdl.

Photo: JE. Burrows
South Africa

 

 

 

 

Synonyms

Rhizoglossum bergianum (Schltdl.) C.Presl

Common name

Description

Rhizome small, fusiform to linear, 9-11 x 1-3 mm, bearing persistent petiole bases. Leaves 2-4. Petiole subterranean, short, usually shorter than 20 mm. Sterile lamina erect, linear to oblanceolate in outline, apex pointed, base narrowly tapering, 28-50 x 1.0-2.5 mm, width: lenght ratio 1:17-60, venation usually apparent. Fertile spike appearing to arise from the rhizome independently of the sterile segment, c. 15-60 mm long, with 3-7 pairs of sporangia and a linear to subulate apiculus up to 8 mm long.

Notes

Derivation

bergianum: after C.H.Bergius (1790-1818), German chemist, plant collector during the three years he lived in Cape Town.

Habitat

Seasonally wet sands or humic soils in shallow rock depressions that are briefly filled with water during the wet winters in the Cape.

Distribution worldwide

See African distribution.

Distribution in Africa

South Africa.

Growth form

Terrestrial.

Literature

  • Burrows, J.E. (1990) Southern African Ferns and Fern Allies. Frandsen, Sandton. Pages 39 - 40. (Includes a picture).
  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. (2011) Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature. Pages 100 - 101. (Includes a picture).
  • Jacobsen, W.B.G. (1983) The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria. Pages 161 - 162. (Includes a picture).
  • 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 32.

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