Cochlidium rostratum (Hook.) Maxon ex C.Chr.

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Polypodiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Cochlidium rostratum (Hook.) Maxon ex C.Chr.

  • Description

    Species Description - Differs from C. linearifolium in the absence of hydathodes (as viewed at 30 times magnification) and in the larger sporangia (according to Bishop, nearly twice the size of those of C. linearifolium); spores more than 43 µm diam.; 2n=66 (CR).

  • Discussion

    Monogramma rostrata Hook., Sp. Fil. 5: 122. 1864 as “Monogramme.” Grammitis rostrata (Hook.) R. M. Tryon & A. F. Tryon, Rhodora 84: 129. 1982. Type. Nicaragua. Island on the Lake Omotepec [Isla de Ometepe], Wright s.n. (K!; isotype US!).

    Cochlidium rostratum is generally distinguished from C. linearifolium by the larger spores and absence of hydathodes (see Bishop, 1978). All specimens identified as this species from Oaxaca (Mickel & Beitel, 1988) and Veracruz (Palacios Rios, 1992)have hydathodes, and so are referrable to C. linearifolium. Specimens from Chiapas cited by Smith (1981) are mostly C. linearifolium, except those from the vicinity of Lagunas de Monte Bello and Laguna Tsiskaw, near the Guatemala border, where C. rostratum appears to be more common (all four collections cited above); however, one collection of C. linearifolium (Breedlove 36965, DS) also occurs here. Further work, especially including cytological studies, is needed to clarify the reputed differences between these two species. If they prove to be conspecific, C. linearifolium is the correct name.

  • Distribution

    Uncommon epiphyte in cloud forests or montane forests; 1300 m. Mexico; Guat, Hond, Salv, Nic, CR, Pan; Gr & L Ant; Col, Ven. The specimen cited as this species by Bishop (in Davidse et al., 1995) from Belize (Allen 15304, MO!) is C. linearifolium.

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