Notholaena californica D.C. Eaton

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Pteridaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Notholaena californica D.C. Eaton

  • Description

    Species Description - Rhizomes compact, horizontal, 1.5–2.5 mm diam.; rhizome scales linear-lanceolate, dark reddish brown to black, sclerotic, 2–3 mm long, concolorous or with narrow pale margins, weakly short-ciliate-denticulate; fronds 4–14 x 1.5–4 cm, clumped; stipes 1/2–3/4 the frond length, reddish brown to dark brown, terete, rachises grooved, with scattered scales at bases like those of rhizomes, otherwise glabrous; blades pentagonal, 3-pinnate at base, 2-pinnate distally, coriaceous; pinnae ca. 5 pairs of divided pinnae, equilateral except the basal pair strongly exaggerated basiscopically, segments more or less ovate, somewhat bead-like, narrowly adnate to free; adaxial surfaces with scattered white or pale to bright yellow farina; abaxial surfaces with dense white or pale to bright yellow farina; blade margins curved; sporangia 32- or 64-spored; spores tan to black.

  • Discussion

    Cheilanthes desertii Mickel, Phytologia 41: 434. 1979, non Cheilanthes californica Mett., 1859. Chrysochosma californica (D.C. Eaton) Pic. Serm., Webbia 43: 307. 1989. Lectotype (chosen by R. Tryon, 1956: 73). U.S.A. California: San Diego Co., Spring Valley, in 1878, Burbeck s.n. (YU!, photo GH!)

  • Distribution

    Epipetric on rocky slopes and cliffs; 100–1100 m. USA (Ariz, Calif); Mexico.

    Mexico North America| Arizona United States of America North America| California United States of America North America|