Cheilanthes wrightii Hook.

  • Authority

    Mickel, John T. & Smith, Alan R. 2004. The pteridophytes of Mexico. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 88: 1-1054.

  • Family

    Pteridaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Cheilanthes wrightii Hook.

  • Description

    Species Description - Rhizomes short- to long-creeping, horizontal, 1 mm diam.; rhizome scales lanceolate, concolorous dull orange-tan, 1–2 mm long, entire; fronds 8–22 cm long, approximate to spaced; stipes 1/2 the frond length, castaneous, lustrous, grooved, with scattered to sparse whitish hairs and linear scales to 1.5 mm long; blades narrowly oblong to lanceolate, bipinnate-pinnatifid to tripinnate; pinnae 5–8 pairs, equilateral; adaxial and abaxial surfaces glabrous; laminar margins curved, but not differentiated; spores brown; 2n=60 (USA).

  • Discussion

    Type. U.S.A. Western Texas to El Paso, New Mexico, 1849, Wright 823 (K; isotypes GH!, NY!, US!).

    Cheilanthes wrightii is distinct by its small size, grooved stipes, and nearly glabrous blades.

  • Distribution

    Igneous rocks, alkaline rocks, oak woodland, on and at base of rocks, oak grassland, limestone ledges, grassy rocky hillsides; 925–1800 m. USA (Ariz, N. Mex, Tex); Mexico.

    Arizona United States of America North America| New Mexico United States of America North America| Texas United States of America North America|