Nephrolepis exaltata

Matos, Fernando B., Bohn, Amabily & Labiak, Paulo H., 2020, The ferns and lycophytes of Reserva Natural Guaricica, Antonina, Paraná, Brazil, Check List 16 (1), pp. 183-206 : 200

Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott

Figure 6E

Examined material. BRAZIL • 2 specimens; Trilha do Zé Carlos ; 25°19′49″S, 048°39′14″W; alt. 30 m; 30 Apr. 2006; F.B. Matos & G. Weiss 1133 leg.; MBM333010; UPCB6288 .

Identification. Characterized by suberect, stoloniferous stems, spreading petiolar scales, 1-pinnate leaves, linear blades strongly reduced towards the base, the pinnae nearly sessile and articulated to the rachis, and free, hydathodous veins. Sori round to elongated, indusia reniform, with wide U-shaped sinus. The other two species of the genus in the area differ by basal petiolar scales shining (vs dull), laminar base truncate or moderately reduced (vs strongly reduced), and indusia with narrow sinus (vs wide sinus in N. exaltata ).

Distribution and habitat. Native range uncertain, widely cultivated worldwide (introduced in the Old World tropics). Terrestrial in disturbed areas.

Order Polypodiales (suborder Polypodiineae ), Tectariaceae Panigrahi