Ophioglossum reticulatum L.

  • Authority

    Mickel, John T. & Beitel, Joseph M. 1988. Pteridophyte Flora of Oaxaca, Mexico. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 46: 1-580.

  • Family

    Ophioglossaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Ophioglossum reticulatum L.

  • Description

    Species Description - Stem erect, cylindrical, 3-5 mm diam fronds usually single, 7-40 cm long, common stalk 316 cm long; sterile blade 1.5-9 cm long, 1.2-5 cm wide, sessile or short-stalked, broadly ovate to nearly reniform, apex obtuse to sometimes acute, base cordate or truncate; venation reticulate, areoles with included free veinlets (no smaller secondary areoles); fertile stalk 5-18 cm long; fertile spike 1.2-5.5 cm long.

  • Discussion

    Lectotype (chosen by Proctor, FI. L. Antill. 2:43. 1977). Plumier, Traité foug. Amér., t. 164. 1705, illustrating a plant from Hispaniola. Ophioglossum reticulatum is the most common species of Ophioglossum in Mexico and Oaxaca, and is distinguished by the cordate blade base and cylindrical rhizome. All species of Ophioglossum are notoriously elusive and probably more widespread and common than collections indicate.

  • Distribution

    Terrestrial in grassy fields and open or light woods; Centro, Ixtlán, Mixe; 350-900 m. Mexico (Sin, Jal, Col, Mex, SLP, Ver, Oax, Chis); Guat to Pan; WI; Col to Sur, s to Bol & n Arg; trop Africa & Asia.

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