Polypodium scouleri Hook. & Grev.

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Polypodiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Polypodium scouleri Hook. & Grev.

  • Description

    Species Description - Rhizomes creeping, glaucous, 5–6 mm diam.; rhizome scales lustrous brown, lanceolate, subconcolorous (castaneous centers with slightly paler narrow margins), entire to minutely denticulate near apices, 3–5 x 1.5–2 mm; fronds 13–30 cm long, distant; stipes 1/3–1/2 the frond length, orange-tan, with scales lanceolate to deltate-attenuate, slightly bicolorous; blades pinnatisect, lanceolate-deltate, very coriaceous, deltate, 8–10 cm wide; pinnae 3–8 pairs, 4–5 x 1–1.6 cm, oblong, entire, apices rounded; abaxial blade surfaces glabrous except for sparse dark, deltate, attenuate scales 2–4 mm long; adaxial blade surfaces glabrous; venation anastomosing, obscure; sori round, near costae, ca. 4 mm diam.; sporangia glabrous; 2n=74 (USA).

  • Discussion

    <>P>Type. U.S.A. Western North America, near Columbia River, Scouler s.n. (K).

    Polypodium scouleri is distinct by its very leathery fronds with few, apically rounded, entire pinnae and sori over 3 mm diam. Its venation is mostly netted but quite variable.

  • Distribution

    Epiphytic in pine forests; 0–550 m. Canada (BC); USA (Calif, Ore, Wash); Mexico.

    California United States of America North America| Oregon United States of America North America| Washington United States of America North America| México Mexico North America|