Monographs Details:
Authority:

Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.
Family:

Pteridaceae
Scientific Name:

Pteris altissima Poir.
Description:

Species Description - Rhizomes thick, woody, horizontal to ascending, densely covered at apex by bicolorous, linear scales 3-12 mm long. Fronds bipinnate-pinnatifid, erect, 1-2 m long; petiole generally 40-100 cm long, thick, grayish-brown, smooth, glabrous; blade ovate, sometimes pentagonal, the largest 1.5 X 1.2 m, the apical part pinnate-pinnatifid; rachis straw-colored, glabrous; pinnae petiolulate; the ultimate segments pinnatifid, 15 cm wide at base, elongate, acute, the surface glabrous or with minute hairs, the sinuses rounded; veins reticulate, finely prominent.

Distribution and Ecology - Rather common, in lowland forests.