Elaphoglossum orbignyanum (Fée) T.Moore, Index Fil.

Kessler, Michael, Moran, Robbin C., Mickel, John T., Matos, Fernando B. & Smith, Alan R., 2018, Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XXXV. Dryopteridaceae, Phytotaxa 353 (1), pp. 448-450 : 448-450

Elaphoglossum orbignyanum (Fée) T.Moore, Index Fil. 16. 1857. ( Fig. 37A–F )

= Acrostichum orbignyanum Fée, Mém. Foug. 2: 56, t. 13, f. 2. 1845.

Range: —Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia (CO, LP, SC).

Ecology: —Common; saxicolous and terrestrial on rock faces, rock walls, along trails, and on stream margins, in humid forests; (700–) 1100–3250 m.

Notes: —Resembles E. cuspidatum , but that species has peltate, more appressed, short-ciliate blade scales while E. orbignyanum has somewhat loosely arranged, broadly lanceolate, long-ciliate scales. Elaphoglossum orbignyanum is a variable species that requires closer study.

Elaphoglossum paleaceum (Hook. & Grev.) Sledge, Bull. Brit. Mus (Nat. Hist.) , Bot. 4(2): 95. 1967. ( Fig. 39K–Q ) Range: —Greater Antilles, mountains from Mexico to Venezuela and Bolivia (CO, LP), Azores, Madeira; Hawaii. Ecology: —Fairly common; epiphytic and saxicolous in humid forests; (800–) 1200–3500 m. Notes: —A member of a taxonomically difficult group of closely related species. In Bolivia, these similar species are E. casanense , E. choquetangae , E. curvans , E. elkeae , E. molle , E. neei , and E. rimbachii . Typical forms of these species are quite distinct, but there are intermediates between each of them. Differences between species are often relative and difficult to describe; it is often necessary to consult herbarium specimens for reference. Also, many species (as defined here) show some geographical differences. Resolution of taxonomic problems will require detailed biosystematic study. Thus, not all herbarium specimens can be identified reliably.

It is certain whether Bolivian specimens belong to the same species as Madeiran populations, the source of the type. An older name for this species may be E. semicylindricum (T.E.Bowdich) Benl (type also from Madeira; see Benl 1980), but application of names in this complex requires further study.

Figures

FIGURE 37. A–F. Elaphoglossum orbignyanum (Kessler 6443, NY). A. Habit. B. Rhizome scales, C, Sterile balde, abaxial surface. D, F. Rachis scales. E. Blade scale. G–L. Elaphoglossum hickenii (Solomon 16374, NY). G. Habit. H. Rhizome scale. J. Sterile blade, adaxial surface. K. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. L. Blade scale.—Scale bars for habit = 5 cm, all other scale bars = 1 mm.

FIGURE 39. A–J. Elaphoglossum molle (Kessler et al. 8991, NY). A. Habit. B. Rhizome scale. C. Petiolar scales. D. Sterile blade, adaxial surface. E, F.Adaxial blade scales. G. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. H. Rachis scale. J.Abaxial blade scale. K–Q. Elaphoglossum paleaceum (Brooke 6277, NY). K. Habit. L. Rhizome scale. M. Fertile blade, abaxial surface. N. rachis scale. O. Sterile blade, adaxial surface. P. Blade scale. Q. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. R–W. Elaphoglossum lasioglottis (Rusby 440, NY). R. Habit. S. Rhizome scale. T. Sterile blade, adaxial surface. U. Adaxial blade scale. V. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. W. Abaxial blade scale.—Scale bars for habit = 5 cm, all other scale bars = 1 mm.