Saccoloma elegans Kaulf.

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Saccolomataceae

  • Scientific Name

    Saccoloma elegans Kaulf.

  • Description

    Species Description - Rhizomes erect; rhizome scales castaneous, lustrous, linearlanceolate, 4–6 x ca. 1 mm; fronds 1–2 m long, clumped; stipes 1/3–1/2 the frond length, to 6 mm diam., stramineous to reddish brown, darker and muricate toward bases; blades oblong, 30–65 cm wide, 1-pinnate; pinnae linear-lanceolate, 18–36 x 1.8–4 cm, undivided, bases rounded to broadly cuneate, petiolulate (to 7 mm), entire to serrulate, apices acuminate to caudate; laminae papyraceous, glabrous; veins simple or 1-forked, prominent, ending in teeth; sori submarginal, contiguous the length of the pinnae, the inner indusia coalescing laterally.

  • Discussion

    Davallia saccoloma Spreng., Syst. Veg., ed. 16, 4: 119. 1827 [based on Saccoloma elegans]. Type. Brazil. Sello s.n. (isotypes B, photo GH, not found, US!).

    The large, once-pinnate fronds with contiguous, submarginal sori distinguish this species.