Pteris pulchra Schltdl. & Cham.

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Pteridaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Pteris pulchra Schltdl. & Cham.

  • Description

    Species Description - Rhizomes stout, suberect; rhizome scales bicolorous; fronds 1– 2 m long; stipes ca. 1/3–1/2 the frond length, stramineous, glabrous; blades bipinnate with exaggerated basiscopic pinnules, chartaceous to firm; pinnules lanceolate, 90–150 x 12–22 mm, bases cuneate, margins entire, apices serrulate, adaxial surfaces glabrous, abaxial surfaces with hairs 0.3 mm long on midveins, otherwise glabrous; awns absent; veins netted throughout; indusia 0.5 mm wide, entire; sporangia mixed with paraphyses 0.1 mm long; spores dark brown.

  • Discussion

    Type. Mexico. Veracruz: “Inter Misantlam et Colipam, regionis subcalidae” Schiede & Deppe 787 (B!-4 sheets; isotype NY! frag. ex B).

    Pteris arborescens M. Martens & Galeotti, Me´m. Foug. Mexique 54. 1842. Type. Mexico. Oaxaca: Chinantla, Teotalcingo, Galeotti 6375 (BR!; isotypes B!, BR!).

    Litobrochia mexicana Fe´e, Me´m. Foug. 5: 136. 1852. Pteris mexicana (Fe´e) E. Fourn., Mexic. Pl. 1: 117. 1872. Type. Mexico. Oaxaca: Chinantla, Teotalcingo, Galeotti 6376 (P!; isotypes B!, BR!-6 sheets, K!, US!).

    Pteris pulchra is distinct by its strictly bipinnate blades, netted veins, and lack of awns adaxially.

  • Distribution

    Margins of wet lowland forests, pine-oak forests, montane rain forests; 100–1000 m. Mexico; Guat, Nic; Col.

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