凤尾蕨科 feng wei jue ke
Liao Wenbo (廖文波), Ding Mingyan (丁明艳), Wu Shiewhung (吴兆洪); Jefferson Prado
Plants terrestrial, large or medium sized. Rhizome long-creeping, with siphonostele (Histiopteris), short and erect or ascending, with dictyostele (Pteris), densely scaly, scales acerose and thick, basifixed. Fronds monomorphic, rarely dimorphic or subdimorphic, spaced (Histiopteris) or clustered (Pteris), stipitate; stipe often straw-colored, seldom castaneous-reddish or brown, glabrous, rarely hispid or scaly; lamina oblong or ovate-triangular, rarely pentagonal, 1-pinnate or 2- or 3-pinnate-pinnatifid, or rarely palmate, occasionally simple or 3-forked, herbaceous, papery or leathery, glabrous, rarely pubescent; venation free or rarely areolate, veinlets not included in areoles; in Pteris with veinlike heterocells below epidermis. Sori submarginal, linear [??round or oblong], on a vascular commissure joining apices of veins, with linear, membranous indusia consisting of reflexed edge of lamina, continuous, interrupted just at sinuses and absent at segment apex; spores trilete, or rarely monolete (Histiopteris), hyaline, surfaces often scabrous or verrucose.
This family has ca. 10 genera [??number of species worldwide], distributed in tropics or subtropics, especially in tropical America; two genera and 72 species in China (33 endemic).
[??family delimitation; ??move others here: Adiantaceae, etc.]
1a. Rhizome short and erect or ascending; fronds clustered, abaxially green; pinnae opposite or alternate, stipitate or subsessile, without stipulelike pinnules at base; veins free or forming a series of narrow costal (sometimes along midvein) areoles ...................................................................................................... 1. Pteris
1b. Rhizome long-creeping; fronds spaced; pinnae opposite, sessile, lowest pinnules much smaller than next pair, seated like stipules near base of pinnae; veins reticulate .................................... 2. Histiopteris
凤尾蕨属 feng wei jue shu
Plants terrestrial. Rhizome erect or ascending (rarely short or prostrate), vascular system a complex solenostele or a dictystele, scaly; scales brown, narrowly lanceolate or linear, membranous, firm. Fronds clustered; stipe deeply grooved adaxially, with one vascular bundle V-shaped in cross section; fronds usually 1- or 2-pinnate or sometimes 3-pinnate, or sometimes 3-forked, basal pinnae often with a branch (and sometimes more than one) near base of basiscopic side, branch similar to main part of pinna but smaller; apical pinnae similar to lateral pinnae; costae or midvein deeply grooved adaxially, often with awns on base of each costa; venation free or areolate, veins simple or 2-forked, if areolate, with regular rows of areoles parallel to costa (sometimes also along midveins of segments), a few species with veinlike heterocells below epidermis (Pteris multifida, P. cadieri, P. grevilleana, etc.); lamina herbaceous or papery when dried, sometimes subleathery, glabrous or rarely pubescent. Sori linear, along margin, sterile except at apex and notch, with paraphyses; annulus consisting of 1634 incrassate cells; spores trilete (a few species with monolete spores), cinereous or black, surfaces scabrous or verrucose. x = 29.
Pteris is a large genus with about 250 species distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, southward to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, north to Japan and North America; 71 species in China, mainly distributed in the South and Southwest, a few species in the East and south of the Qinling Mountains (33 endemic).
[??what about the following names]
[!!??Pteris bomiensis Ching & S. K. Wu, Fl. Xizang. 1: 72. 1983]
[??Pteris cretica var. intermedia (H. Christ) C. Chr. see Fl. Sichuan. Vol. 6]
[!!??Pteris daguanense var. huashanicola W. M. Chu & Z. R. He, Acta Bot. Yunnan. 22: 257. 2000, [as huashanicolum]
[!!??Pteris gracillima Ching & S. K. Wu, Fl. Xizang. 1: 65. 1983]
[??Pteris kidoi Kurata, J. Geobot. 13: 8. 1964; Shieh, Fl. Taiwan 1: 227. 1994: Taiwan and Japan; (kidai) Fl. Zhejiang. Vol. 1].
[!!??Pteris medogensis Ching & S. K. Wu, Fl. Xizang. 1: 71. 1983]
[??Pteris natiensis Tagawa, J. Jap. Bot. 14: 109. 1938 see Fl. Zhejiang. Vol. 1]
[??Pteris nipponica Shieh, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 79: 285. 1966; Fl. Taiwan 1: 231. 1994].
[!!??Pteris pellucidifolia Hayata, Gen. Fl. Formos. 114. 1916; Kuo, Taiwania 30: 21, 58. 1985].
[!!??Pteris pseudodactylina Ching & S. K. Wu, Fl. Xizang. 1: 66. 1983]
[!!??Pteris scabristipes Tagawa, Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 5: 103. 1936; Fl. Taiwan 1: 231. 1994].
[!!??Pteris shimianensis H. S. Kuang, Fl. Sichuan. 6: 231. 1988]
[!!??Pteris sichuanensis H. S. Kuang, Acta Bot. Yunnan. 4: 337. 1982; see Fl. Sichuan. Vol. 6]
[!!??Pteris tibetica Ching, Fl. Xizang. 1: 68. 1983]
[!!??Pteris x wulaiensis C. M. Kuo, Bot. Bull Acad. Sin., n.s., 30: 143. 1989; Fl. Taiwan 1: 233. 1994].
[!!??Pteris xichouensis W. M. Chu & Z. R. He, Acta Bot. Yunnan. 22: 257. 2000]
Key to Sections
1a. Venation free; fronds often dimorphic or monomorphic.
2a. Fronds often dimorphic or nearly dimorphic, trifid, pedatifid or 1-pinnate, rarely simple; pinna often narrowly linear or lanceolate-tapering, with cartilaginous margins, not divided or basal pair (sometimes pairs) forked near base on basiscopic side, but never pectinate, sterile pinna or sterile frond often acutely serrate at margins, rarely entire, without spines along costae or midveins, not erose (species nos. 130) 1. Sect. Pteris
2b. Fronds monomorphic, 2-pinnatifid (often 3-pinnatifid at base); pinna lanceolate, pectinate nearly to costa, basal pair of pinna often with 13(or 4) shortly pectinate pinnules near base on basiscopic side; segments lanceolate or ± oblong-falcate, often obtuse or acute, without cartilaginous margins, entire or rarely serrate; adaxial surface of costa with spines along groove (midvein adaxially often with spines) or erose (species nos. 3060) ....................................................................................... 2. Sect. Quadriauricula
3a. Stipes not forked at apex (species nos. 3059: Ser. Quadriauritae Ching). [??omit]
3b. Stipes 3-forked at apex (species no. 60: Ser. Longipedis Ching). [??omit]
1b. Venation areolate, veins ± anastomosing along costules; fronds monomorphic, same in shape as Sect. Quadriauricula, but often 3-forked from apex of stipe (lateral two forks often 2-forked again); segments without cartilaginous margins; veins forming one or more series of areoles along costa (sometimes along midvein); costa with spines along adaxial groove (species nos. 6169) ........ 3. Sect. Campteria
4a. Stipes not forked at apex, basal pair of pinnae (and sometimes pairs) often with a branch (and sometimes more than one) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller (Species 6163: Ser. Biauritae Ching). [??omit]
4b. Stipes 3-forked at apex, two lateral forks often 2-forked, basal pair of pinnae without branch (and sometimes more than one) near base on basiscopic side (Species 6469: Ser. Tripartitae Ching). [??omit]
Key to PTERIS Sect. PTERIS
1a. Fronds simple, 3-forked, or pedatifid.
2a. Fronds digitate or nearly digitate, with 57(9) pinnae clustered at apex of stipes.
3a. Margins of sterile pinnae entire .......................................................... 3. P. stenophylla
3b. Margins of sterile pinnae serrate.
4a. Mature fronds distinctly dimorphic.
5a. Margins of rhizome scales sparsely ciliate ................. 19a. P. cretica var. nervosa
5b. Margins of rhizome scales entire ......................................................... 6. P. morii
4b. Mature fronds monomorphic or nearly so.
6a. Stipes castaneous, sometimes margins slightly straw-colored; sterile pinnae margins coarsely and acutely serrate ............................................................................ 18. P. plumbea
6b. Stipes straw-colored, brownish at base; sterile pinnae margins finely serrate.
7a. Plants 2040 cm tall; stipes 1530 cm ...................................... 7. P. dactylina
7b. Plants 1020 cm; stipes 610 cm ........................................... 9. P. gallinopes
2b. Fronds simple or 2- or 3-forked.
8a. Plants only with simple fronds .................................................. 31. P. changjiangensis
8b. Plants with 3-forked fronds, simple fronds present or absent.
9a. Plants often with simple fronds and 3-forked fronds.
10a. Base of lamina cordate ............................................................... 29. P. liboensis
10b. Base of lamina cuneiform or nearly obtuse.
11a. Fertile fronds simple or 3-forked; fronds (or pinnae) lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, up to 15 cm; sterile fronds simple or 2-forked; fronds (or pinnae) lanceolate, adaxially without pale green band along midvein; (SE Yunnan) ......................................... 1. P. pseudopellucida
11b. Fertile fronds simple, narrowly linear, up to 50 cm; sterile fronds 3-forked, pinnae linear, adaxially with distinct pale green band along midvein (S Yunnan) ..... 2. P. undulatipinna
9b. Frond 3-forked, not simple.
12a. Middle pinnae sessile or subsessile.
13a. Pinna broadly lanceolate or lateral pair nearly ovoid.
14a. Plants 1525 cm tall; pinnae often 58 Χ up to 2 cm; margin coarsely and acutely serrate 12. P. deltodon
14b. Plants 46.5(7) cm tall; pinnae often 1.52.5(3.1) Χ 11.4 cm; margin entire at base and serrate at apex ............................................................... 32. P. xiaoyingae
13b. Pinna linear, often 1525 Χ ca. 1 cm.
15a. Pinna entire or slightly undulate; (Xizang) ......................... 3. P. stenophylla
15b. Pinna margin finely toothed or with undulate teeth.
16a. Pinna margin finely undulate toothed, veins close, 28 veinlets per cm; (Taiwan) 4. P. confertinervia
16b. Pinna denticulate at margin, veins separated ca. 1 mm from each other 7. P. dactylina
12b. Middle pinnae stalked, stalk 12(3) cm.
17a. Fronds conspicuously dimorphic; pinnae 2.53.5 cm wide.
18a. Sterile pinnae 2.53 cm wide, with crenulate margins; apical pinnae of fertile frond nearly sessile; (Hainan) ............................................................ 5. P. crassiuscula
18b. Sterile pinna ca. 3.5 cm wide, with sparsely serrate margin; apical pinnae of fertile frond long stalked ........................................................................ 30. P. nanlingensis
17b. Fronds monomorphic; pinnae up to 2 cm wide.
19a. Apical pinnae broadly lanceolate ......................................... 12. P. deltodon
19b. Apical pinnae lanceolate.
20a. Pinna margins coarsely and acutely serrate; lateral pinnae like middle ones in length 13. P. olivacea
20b. Pinna margins serrate only on upper portion, lower parts entire, lateral pinnae shorter than middle ones in length .................................................. 14. P. baksaensis
1b. Fronds pinnate, lateral pinnae lanceolate (2 pairs or more) or forked.
21a. Lateral pinnae lanceolate.
22a. Lateral pinnae often 3040 pairs, shorter gradually downward ................ 25. P. vittata
22b. Lateral pinnae less than 16 pairs, not gradually reduced downward.
23a. Margins of sterile pinnae entire, ± undulate.
24a. Pinnae shiny and smooth adaxially, pinnae margins distinctly pleated 22. P. venusta
24b. Pinnae not shiny or smooth adaxially, pinnae slightly undulate.
25a. Pinnae glabrous ....................................................................... 23. P. insignis
25b. Pinnae basal parts and costa sparsely softly hairy................ 24. P. menglaensis
23b. Margins of sterile pinnae dentate.
26a. Sterile pinnae ovate or narrowly rounded lanceolate, margins with rough and acute teeth 12. P. deltodon
26b. Sterile pinnae narrowly linear or linear-lanceolate to lanceolate, margins finely dentate.
27a. Sterile pinnae narrowly linear, often 24 mm wide........................ 10. P. henryi
27b. Sterile pinnae, broadly linear-lanceolate to lanceolate, 925 mm wide.
28a. Sterile pinnae linear-lanceolate, margins with fine undulate teeth 4. P. confertinervia
28b. Sterile pinnae lanceolate, margins finely dentate.
29a. Median sterile pinnae 46 Χ ca. 1 cm ........................... 26. P. ensiformis
29b. Median sterile pinnae 923 Χ 1.52.5 cm ............................... 6. P. morii
21b. Lateral pinnae forked.
30a. Basal pinnae pair or lateral pinnae often 24-forked, lowest pair (or basal pairs) often 3- or 4-forked or nearly pinnate.
31a. Lateral pinnae forked; segments of sterile fronds linear, apically long acuminate.
32a. Stipe and rachis light straw-colored, glabrous or ± rough ................... 10. P. henryi
32b. Stipe and rachis chestnut-brownish, rough, sometimes glabrous 11. P. actiniopteoides
31b. Lateral pinnae (especially sterile frond) nearly pinnate; pinnules of sterile frond or segments broadly lanceolate or oblong, obtuse, or linear-lanceolate, apically acuminate.
33a. Apical pinnae decurrent at base forming thin wings along rachises; sterile pinnules linear-lanceolate, apically acuminate ...................................................................... 28. P. multifida
33b. Apical pinnae not decurrent on rachises; sterile pinnules broadly lanceolate or oblong, apically obtuse, sometimes acute.
34a. Plants only 15 cm tall; fertile pinnules 513 Χ ca. 2 mm 27. P. cryptogrammoides
34b. Plants at least 30 cm tall, often ca. 50 cm; fertile pinnules 510 cm or longer, 35 mm wide 26. P. ensiformis
30b. Basal pinnae pair 2- or 3-forked, second and third pairs 2-forked occasionally (rarely to fifth pair).
35a. Fronds with 2 lateral pinnae pairs.
36a. Sterile pinnae narrowly linear, 24(8) mm wide, margins with narrow, acute teeth.
37a. Fertile fronds longer than sterile fronds; lamina hard papery when dry 8. P. angustipinna
37b. Sterile fronds same as fertile fronds in length; lamina hard herbaceous when dry.
38a. Stipe and rachis slightly straw-colored, glabrous or ±
rough
............................................................................................. 10.
P. henryi
38b. Stipe and rachis castaneous-brownish, sometimes glabrous or rough 11. P. actiniopteroides
36b. Sterile pinnae narrowly lanceolate to oblong, 12 cm wide.
39a. Margins of sterile pinnae slightly serrate; (Hainan) ........................... 6. P. morii
39b. Margins of sterile pinnae densely and sharply serrate.
40a. Stipe and rachis castaneous, midvein brown near base; (E and S China) 18. P. plumbea
40b. Stipe up to basal part of lamina straw-colored, basal part of midvein abaxially slightly brown-straw-colored or straw-colored.
41a. Pinnae narrowly lanceolate, ca. 1 cm wide, shortly acuminate, basal pair with stalk ca. 1 cm ...................................................................... 15. P. quinquefoliata
41b. Pinna lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, acuminate, basal pair sessile or subsessile 16. P. guangdongensis
35b. Fronds with more than 3 lateral pinnae pairs, rarely only 3 pairs.
42a. Pinnae margins entire.
43a. Pinnae shiny and smooth, margins distinctly pleated .................... 22. P. venusta
43b. Pinnae not shiny or smooth, margins slightly undulate.
44a. Apical pinnae with stipes, not decurrent at base; lateral pinnae 614 pairs, pinnae fertile only on upper portion, lower pinnae sterile and stalked ........... 23. P. insignis
44b. Apical pinnae decurrent along rachis; lateral pinnae 3 pairs, basal pair sessile, second and third pairs of pinnae with decurrent base along rachis ....... 21. P. longipinna
42b. Pinnae margins ± serrate.
45a. Apical 2 or 3 pairs or more of lateral pinnae long decurrent at base, forming thin wings along rachises ................................................................................. 28. P. multifida
45b. Apical 3-forked pinnae or sometimes first pair of lateral pinnae ± decurrent, rarely not decurrent.
46a. Fronds monomorphic, sometimes nearly dimorphic.
47a. Pinnules linear, ca. 3 mm wide; fronds monomorphic, sometimes slightly dimorphic.
48a. Stipe and rachis light straw-colored, smooth or ± rough ... 10. P. henryi
48b. Stipe and rachis castaneous-brownish, rough or sometimes glabrous 11. P. actiniopteroides
47b. Pinnules lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 1.52 cm wide; fronds monomorphic.
49a. Pinnae lanceolate or broadly lanceolate, apically acuminate, basal pinnae pair sessile or nearly so; (Guangdong) ................................. 16. P. guangdongensis
49b. Pinnae oblong-lanceolate, apically obtuse, basal pinnae pair stalked; (Guangxi) 17. P. hui
46b. Fronds conspicuously dimorphic.
50a. Fronds herbaceous; (Guangdong and Hainan).
51a. Median sterile pinnae 923 Χ 1.52.5 cm ........................... 6. P. morii
51b. Median sterile pinnae 46 Χ ca. 1 cm ...................... 26. P. ensiformis
50b. Fronds papery to slightly leathery; (E to SW China, not in Hainan).
52a. Stipe and rachis with verrucate protuberances ........... 20. P. esquirolii
52b. Stipe and rachis smooth or rough, lacking protuberances.
53a. Plants up to 1.5 m; sterile pinnae lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, median portion 25 cm wide, slightly leathery when dry ...................... 20. P. esquirolii
53b. Plants 5070 cm; sterile pinnae narrowly lanceolate or lanceolate, median portion 12 cm wide, papery when dry.
54a. Stipe smooth ................................ 19a. P. cretica var. nervosa
54b. Stipe rough ....................................... 19b. P. cretica var. laeta
Key to PTERIS Sect. QUADRIAURICULA Ching
1a. Stipes 3-forked at apex; lateral two forks same as middle one in shape but smaller (Ser. Longipedes) 61. P. longipes
1b. Stipes not 3-forked (Ser. Quadriauritae).
2a. Fronds dimorphic ........................................................................................ 41. P. cadieri
2b. Fronds monomorphic.
3a. Lateral pinnae pinnate anisomerously along costae.
4a. Fronds pinnate at apex; pinnae narrowly lanceolate, caudate at apex; lower part of costa with fewer segments or without segments ...................................................... 40. P. formosana
4b. Fronds pinnatipartite; pinnae caudate at apex; lower part of costa pectinately pinnate, and upper parts entire or some pinnae pinnate, but segments fewer and smaller than those of lower pinnae.
5a. Stipes straw-colored or dark straw-colored; costa with fine-toothed protuberances or short spines along groove.
6a. Plants often to 1.5 m, sometimes to 2 m; segments separate, distinctly decurrent at base 36. P. malipoensis
6b. Plants 80100 cm; segments separate, basiscopic not distinctly decurrent at base 38. P. sinensis
5b. Stipes castaneous-red or dark castaneous; with erose margin along adaxial groove of costa.
7a. Plants often 11.5 m ............................................................ 35. P. dissitifolia
7b. Plants often 0.30.8 m.
8a. Segments distant, distinctly decurrent at base; veins of sterile frond ending at base of teeth, teeth shortly acuminate ................................................. 34. P. semipinnata
8b. Segments approximate, not distinctly decurrent at base; veins of sterile frond ending in teeth, teeth long acuminate .............................................................. 33. P. dispar
3b. Lateral pinnae (at least of sterile fronds) pectinate, regularly pinnate on both sides of costa.
9a. Basal pinnae pair same in shape as other lateral pinnae; basal pinnae without branch near base on basiscopic side.
10a. Basiscopic side of costa and midvein, and abaxial surface of segments glabrous 37. P. excelsa
10b. Lower parts of costa with coarse hairs; midveins and basiscopic side of segments ± hairy.
11a. Pinnae only basally ± deeply lobed, apically linear and caudate 43. P. heteromorpha
11b. Pinnae pectinately pinnate on both sides, apically caudate ...... 44. P. decrescens
9b. Basal pinnae pair not same in shape as other lateral pinnae, basal pinnae with a branch(or more than one branch) near base on basiscopic side.
12a. Basiscopic side of frond with narrow lines (false veins) between veins 42. P. grevilleana
12b. Basiscopic side of lamina lacking lines.
13a. Sterile margins of segments serrate .......................................... 39. P. amoena
13b. Sterile margins of segments entire, sometimes slightly undulate.
14a. Two veins from adjacent segments reaching base of incision of pinnae, forming an acute triangle, sometimes forming areoles; pinnae often lobed to broad wings of costa 60. P. linearis
14b. Two veins from adjacent segments reaching incision of pinnae, forming a short obtuse triangle, pinnae lobed to costa or thin wings of costa.
15a. Segment apex with protuberance.
16a. Costae with coarse hairs on basiscopic side, midvein, and basiscopic side of segments ± hairy .................................................................. 45. P. longipinnula
16b. Costa smooth or rough.
17a. Lower vein of basal pair of veins of segment near to costa and nearly parallel to costa; basal pinnae pair stalked, ca. 2 cm ............. 47. P. splendida
17b. Lower vein of basal pair of veins of segment oblique, not parallel to costa; basal pinnae sessile or subsessile.
18a. Stipe, rachis, costa (and spines), midvein, margin, or at least part of them ± purple.
19a. Stipe as long as lamina; lamina oblong-ovate; indusia purple or straw-colored ............................................................. 46. P. aspericaulis
19b. Stipe 2 Χ as long as lamina; lamina ovate-triangular, 3-forked; indusia flavescent ........................................ 62. P. caiyangheensis
18b. Stipe, rachis, costa (and spines), midvein, margin, or at least partly not purple.
20a. Stipe, rachis and costa light straw-colored 46. P. aspericaulis
20b. Stipe, rachis, costa, and midvein all green 45. Pteris longipinnula
15b. Segment apex lacking protuberance.
21a. Pinnae with short or danderlike hairs on basiscopic side.
22a. Pinnae with danderlike hairs on basiscopic side (especially along costa); costa blue-green; midvein of segment with needlelike spines 56. P. viridissima
22b. Pinnae sparsely shortly pubescent on basiscopic side; costa straw-colored, sometimes light purple; midvein of segment with flat spines.
23a. Segments acrocephalia[??], sparsely shortly hairy; midvein with thin acute spines adaxially ..................................................... 57. P. hirsutissima
23b. Segments obtuse, glabrous adaxially and with sparse, adnate, short, gray hairs; midvein without spines adaxially ....................... 55. P. puberula
21b. Pinnae glabrous on both surfaces.
24a. Lamina nearly leathery when dry; costa stramineous, glabrous, with fleshy oblate spines adaxially ................................................ 58. P. subquinata
24b. Lamina papery or herbaceous when dry; costa with distinct, acerate spines or oblate spines.
25a. Pinnae pectinate .................................................... 59. P. bella
25b. Pinnae pinnatifid.
26a. Lateral pinnae ascending.
27a. Basal part of lateral pinnae widest or same as median part in width 50. P. oshimensis
27b. Lateral pinna widest at median part ............. 51. P. fauriei
26b. Lateral pinnae spreading or oblique.
28a. Fronds with 1116 lateral pinnae pairs, and a pair of pinnae at basiscopic base often with pinnules (2 or)3 or 4; and if lateral pinnae 9 or 10 pairs, a pair of pinnae at basiscopic base often with 3 pinnules 48. P. setuloso-costulata
28b. Fronds with (3)59 lateral pinnae pairs, basal pair with 1 or 2 branches on basiscopic side.
29a. Lateral pinnae widest at base or as wide as median part ..... 49. P. kiuschiuensis
29b. Lateral pinnae often widest at median part.
30a. Plants more than 1.3 m tall; lateral pinnae ca. 35 Χ 36 cm 54. P. majestica
30b. Plants 0.51 m tall, lateral pinnae 1223 cm Χ 36.5 cm.
31a. Segments not narrowed to apex, linear, obtuse, approximate 53. P. obtusiloba
31b. Segments narrowed to apex, linear-lanceolate; segments separated by broad lobes . 52. P. angustipinnula
Key to PTERIS Sect. CAMPTERIA (Presl) Ching
1a. Stipes not pedate; lamina ovate, pinnate; basal pair of pinnae with a branch (sometimes 2 branches) pectinate or pinnate (1. Ser. Biauritae).
2a. Stipes straw-colored to light green, slightly shiny; lamina hard papery ............ 63. P. biaurita
2b. Stipes castaneous, lustrous; lamina herbaceous.
3a. Costa with broad wings to 56 mm on both sides; areoles 1/32/3 width of wing; segments 69 mm wide ........................................................................................................... 64. P. maclurei
3b. Wings of costa ca. 3 mm wide; areoles ca. 1/2 width of wing to ca. same; segments up to 6 mm wide 65. P. maclurioides
1b. Stipes 3-forked at apex (fronds pedate); lamina divided into 3 branches (each branch pinnate); basal pair of pinnae not branched on basicopic side.
4a. Areoles along costule on both sides, and along midvein of segments also; stipes and rachis straw-colored or light brown.
5a. Segments separated from each other by 712 mm, 2.57 cm Χ 47 mm ...... 70. P. finotii
5b. Segments approximate, distance 25 mm, 13 cm Χ 46 mm .................. 71. P. tripartia
4b. Costule with two rows of areoles along both sides; veins above areoles all free (sometimes basal veins of segment forming areoles).
6a. Stipes and rachis straw-colored; segments 34 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, separated by intervals of 58 mm; (Taiwan) ........................................................................................ 69. P. taiwanensis
6b. Stipes and rachis red or brown-red, or rachis rarely straw-colored; segments 12.5 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, close to each other or slightly separated.
7a. Stipes and rachis with purple-brownish bristles ............................. 66. P. wallichiana
7b. Stipes and base of rachis glabrous (sometimes stipes slightly hairy).
8a. Lamina with red-brown bristles abaxially ................................ 67. P. austrosinica
8b. Lamina nearly glabrous abaxially.
9a. Lateral pinnules 2025 cm, ca. 4.5 cm wide at base; segments separated from each other by 24 mm ........................................................................ 68. P. occidentalisinica
9b. Lateral pinnules 1120(25) Χ 22.5(3.5) cm; segments separated from each other by 12 mm ......................................................................................... 66. P. wallichiana
[??vernacular name]
Plants small or medium sized (0.051.5 m tall). Fronds often dimorphic or subdimorphic, pedate, digitate or imparipinnate, seldom simple; pinnae or basal pinnae pair (sometimes few pairs) forked, never pectinate or pinnate; pinnae often narrowly linear or lanceolate, acuminate, with cartilaginous margins, sterile pinnae or sterile margins serrulate, seldom entire, costae or midveins adaxially erose; venation free. Sori linear, along segment margins, absent at apex and sinuses; indusia cinereous-brown or brown, linear, membranous, persistent.
Twenty-eight species in China; distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, from North to South (Qinling). Some species are calciphilous and can be found on limestone and walls.
单叶凤尾蕨 dan ye feng wei jue
Pteris pellucida C. Presl f. simplex Hooker; P. subsimplex Ching.
Plants 3040 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1.5 cm in diam., scaly at growing tips. Fronds dimorphic, simple or 2- or 3-forked; stipe straw-colored to light brown, slightly lustrous, 1520 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, glabrous; sterile fronds: lamina (or pinnae) wider than those of fertile fronds, lanceolate, ca. 20 Χ 2.53 cm, base broadly cuneate or subobtuse, margins subcartilaginous, undulate, serrate upward, apically shortly serrulate, apex acuminate; fertile fronds (or pinnae) linear-lanceolate, ca. 20 Χ 12 cm, entire, apices sterile, slightly serrulate; lamina pale green, papery when dried, glabrous; midvein straw-colored, convex abaxially; veins simple or 2-forked.
Common in ravines, bamboo forests; 100200 m. SE Yunnan (Hekou) [N Vietnam (Lao Cai).
The type of Pteris pseudopellucida is from Hekou, Yunnan.
波叶凤尾蕨 bo ye feng wei jue
Plants 4060 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., scaly at growing tips. Fronds dimorphic; stipe light straw-colored, 1520 cm Χ ca. 1.5 mm. Sterile fronds: lamina linear, up to 40 Χ ca. 1 cm, base sterile and slightly undulate, apex caudate and slightly serrulate. Fertile fronds: 3-forked, pinnae linear, 2530 Χ 11.5 cm, basally cuneate, sessile, separate, margin entire at base, reflexed, spreading serrate upward, apically long acuminate; lateral pinnae as middle pinnae but shorter, somewhat falcate; lamina pale green, thinly papery when dried, glabrous with black longitudinal striation ca. 4 mm wide on both sides along midvein; midvein light straw-colored, abaxially convex; veins simple or 2-forked.
* Bamboo forests; ca. 900 m. S Yunnan (Mengla).
狭羽凤尾蕨 xia yu feng wei jue
Pteris cretica Linnaeus var. stenophylla (Wallich ex Hooker & Greville) Baker; P. digitata Wallich, nom. nud.; P. pellucida C. Presl var. stenophylla (Wallich ex Hooker & Greville) C. B. Clarke.
Plants ca. 50 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, ca. 6 mm in diam. Fronds monomorphic, clustered; stipe straw-colored, 3035 cm Χ ca. 1.5 mm, glabrous; lamina digitate, with 35 pinnae, clustered at stipe apex, linear-lanceolate, up to 20 cm Χ 810 mm (sterile fronds wider than fertile fronds), base cuneate, margin entire and cartilaginous, apex long acuminate; lamina cinereous-green, papery when dried, glabrous; midvein straw-colored, convex adaxially, veins simple, rarely 2-forked.
Among dry rocks in open forests; 25003000 m. SE Xizang (Himalaya) [Bhutan, N India, Nepal].
The type of Pteris stenophylla is from Nepal.
密脉凤尾蕨 mi mai feng wei jue
Plants ca. 35 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, apically scaly. Fronds submonomorphic, clustered; stipe light-brown, slender, ca. 1 mm in diam., glabrous. Fertile fronds: stipe up to 13 cm; lamina pedate, connate at base; pinnae linear-lanceolate, ca. 25 cm (lateral pinnae shorter than middle pinnae), ca. 9 mm wide, margins densely undulate-denticulate at base of pinnae, apex long acuminate. Sterile fronds: stipe up to 8 cm, similar to fertile fronds in shape but shorter, or sometimes with more lateral pinnae pairs, apical pinna decurrent on lateral pinnae forming a wing; lamina light brown-green, slightly lustrous, herbaceous when dried; midvein convex on both sides; veins dense, ca. 28 per cm.
* Taiwan (Taibei).
厚叶凤尾蕨 hou ye feng wei jue
Plants ca. 50 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 mm in diam., apex with brownish black scales. Fronds dimorphic. Sterile fronds: stipe straw-colored, light brown, or castaneous-brown, slightly lustrous, 1025 cm Χ 12 mm, glabrous; lamina 3-forked (pedate), 2025 cm, middle pinnae lanceolate, 2025 cm, middle part 2.53 cm wide, basally narrowly cuneate, somewhat decurrent, shortly stalked (15 mm), margins cartilaginous and slightly serrate, apically acuminate and serrate; lateral pinnae as middle pinnae but shorter and sessile. Fertile fronds: stipe up to 45 cm; lamina oblong, 2530 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae 2 pairs per frond, subsessile, decumbent, ca. 5 cm apart, narrowly linear, 2025 cm Χ ca. 5 mm; lamina pale green or brown-green, leathery when dried, firm, both surfaces glabrous; midvein straw-colored or castaneous-brown, abaxially convex, veins conspicuous, simple or 2-forked from base.
* Forests along valleys; ca. 700 m. Hainan (Baoting, Diaoluoshan).
琼南凤尾蕨 qiong nan feng wei jue
Plants 5070 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 11.5 cm in diam., apex with black-brown, entire scales. Fronds clustered, dimorphic; stipe light straw-colored or castaneous, 3045 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, firm, glabrous; lamina triangular-ovate, 1-pinnate (sterile fronds sometimes palmate). Sterile fronds: pinnae 24 pairs, opposite, slightly decumbent, basal 1 or 2 pairs often forked, shortly stalked (stalks [xx] mm), remainder sessile, simple, narrowly lanceolate, 923 Χ 1.52.5 cm, basally narrowly cuneate, margins cartilaginous and obtusely serrate, apically acuminate or acute and serrate. Fertile fronds: pinnae 25 pairs, acroscopic ones sessile, lower ones stalked (35 mm), linear, sometimes linear-lanceolate, 2025 cm Χ 810 mm, sterile margins serrulate, basal pair often 2-forked; lamina pale green, thickly leathery when dried, glabrous, sterile pinnae sometimes with grayer lines along midvein adaxially, midvein abaxially convex, straw-colored, veins abaxially conspicuous, simple or forked.
* Dense forests along valleys. Hainan.
指叶凤尾蕨 zhi ye feng wei jue
Plants 2040 cm tall. Rhizome prostrate, short, ca. 3 mm in diam., apex scaly. Fronds clustered, dimorphic; sterile fronds as long as fertile fronds; stipe straw-colored, brown at base, slightly lustrous, slender, 1530 cm Χ ca. 1 mm, smooth or rarely scabrous; lamina digitate, often with 57 pinnae, sometimes 3, basal pairs nearly 3-forked, rarely or apical pinnae 2- or 3 forked, clustered; middle one longer, narrowly linear, 810(15) cm Χ (2)34(8) mm, basally cuneate, not decurrent, apically acuminate; lateral pinnae same in shape, somewhat falcate, sessile or terminal pinnae shortly stalked; fertile pinnae subentire, only apically serrulate, margins of sterile pinnae denticulate, midvein straw-colored, glabrous, abaxially convex, adaxially sulcate; veins conspicuous, separate, straight, parallel to each other, slightly oblique, simple or rarely forked from base; lamina cinereous-green, firmly herbaceous when dried, glabrous on both surfaces; indusia linear, pallid, membranous, subentire.
Guizhou (Fanjingshan), Sichuan, SE Xizang, Yunnan [India (Sikkim: Himalaya)].
According to W. C. Shieh (Fl. Taiwan: 1: 224. 1994), Pteris dactylina is distributed in SE and SW Taiwan. The type is from Sikkim.
细叶凤尾蕨 xi ye feng wei jue
Plants 2040 cm tall. Rhizome and base of stipes scaly; scales castaneous-brown, linear or subulate-linear, ca. 3 mm, entire, basally sparsely glandular pubescent. Fronds somewhat dimorphic; stipe straw-colored, light brown at base, slightly scabrous, glabrous, adaxially sulcate, stipes of sterile fronds 310 cm, stipes of fertile fronds 517 cm; sterile lamina digitate or rarely pinnate (2 pairs of lateral pinnae); apical pinnae linear, 1017 cm Χ 23(5) mm, base shortly cuneate, shortly stalked or sessile, margins serrulate, apex acuminate; lateral pinnae narrower than terminal ones, 510 cm, sessile or shortly stalked; basal pinnae pair sometimes forked; fertile fronds pinnate, 2 pairs of lateral pinnae below apical pinnae; apical pinnae linear, 1027 cm Χ 24 mm, stalked (315 mm); lateral pinnae shorter; basal pair sometimes forked, sterile margins serrulate; lamina thinly papery when dried; veins conspicuous, simple or forked. Sori and indusia linear.
* Taiwan (Alishan, Taidong).
鸡爪凤尾蕨 ji zhua feng wei jue
Plants small, 1020 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with black scales. Fronds clustered; stipe straw-colored, light brown at base, opaque, 610 cm Χ ca. 1 mm, glabrous, shallowly grooved adaxially; lamina palmate, 46 Χ 47 cm, often with 5 pinnae, seldom 79, clustered at apex of stipe; middle ones slightly longer, linear, 37 cm Χ 34 mm, basally cuneate, margins of fertile fronds entire, apically acuminate and slightly serrulate; sterile fronds slightly serrate, stalked (24 mm); lateral pinnae same shape as apical one, but smaller and slightly falcate, apically acuminate or mucronate; lamina cinereous-green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; midvein prominent on both sides, straw-colored to pale green, glabrous; veins conspicuous, separate, parallel to each other, ca. 1.5 mm apart, oblique, simple or forked. Sori linear, along margins, absent at segment base and apex; indusia cinereous-brown, linear, thinly membranous, entire.
* Limestone crevices within forests; 8001700 m. Guizhou (Anshun, Douyun), Hubei (Hefeng), Sichuan (Baoxing, Emeishan, Leshan), Yunnan.
The type of Pteris gallinopes is from Yunnan.
狭叶凤尾蕨 xia ye feng wei jue
Plants 3050 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with brownish black scales. Fronds clustered, monomorphic or somewhat dimorphic; sterile fronds shorter than fertile fronds; stipe light straw-colored, 1520 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), 12 mm in diam., smooth or ± rough, glabrous, angulate; lamina oblong-ovate, 2030 Χ 1015 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae (2)46 pairs, opposite, 57 cm apart near base of frond, very decumbent; basal pair shortly stalked, often 3- or 4-forked; upper pairs sessile, often 24-forked, seldom simple; apical pinnae 2- or 3-forked, rarely simple and shortly stalked; segments narrowly linear, 1020 Χ (2)34 cm (sterile segments broader), basally broadly cuneate and slightly oblique, fertile margins entire, sterile margins slightly serrulate, apically long acuminate; lamina cinereous-green, papery when dried, glabrous on both surfaces; midvein prominent on both sides, light straw-colored; veins conspicuous, slightly inflexed, spreading, simple or forked. Sori narrowly linear; indusia brown, linear, membranous, entire.
* Limestone crevices; 4002300 m. Guangxi (Lengyun, Leye), Guizhou, SW Henan (Xichuan), S Shaanxi, Sichuan (Chongqing, Leibo), Yunnan.
The type of Pteris henryi is from Yunnan (Mengzi).
猪鬣凤尾蕨 zhu zong feng wei jue
Pteris cretica Linnaeus var. melanocaulis Baker.
Plants 530(60) cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 11.5 cm in diam., apex with black-brown, entire scales. Fronds numerous, clustered, monomorphic or somewhat dimorphic, sterile fronds shorter than fertile fronds; stipe erect or spreading, castaneous-brown, 36(20) cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), slender, 0.51 mm in diam., scabrous or occasionally smooth; lamina oblong-ovate or broadly triangular, 1-pinnate (juvenile plants digitate); sterile fronds: lateral pinnae 1 or 2 pairs, opposite, slightly decumbent, 2-forked or basal pair 3-forked, base of apical 3-forked, pinnae not or slightly decrescent; segments narrowly linear, often ca. 10 cm Χ 45 mm, basally cuneate, margins serrate, apically long acuminate; fertile fronds: lateral pinnae often 24 pairs, opposite, 24 cm apart, slightly decumbent, basal pair 24-forked and shortly stalked, gradually simpler upward and sessile, base of 3-forked apical pinnae slightly or not decurrent; segments narrowly linear, often 1018 cm Χ 23 mm, basally cuneate, margins serrulate toward apex only, apically long acuminate; lamina pale green, thinly papery when dried, glabrous; midvein convex on both sides, light straw-colored, sometimes castaneous-brown at base; veins conspicuous on both sides, sparse, ca. 1 mm apart, slightly oblique, simple or forked. Sori linear, absent at segments apices; indusia slightly broad, pallid, thinly membranous, entire.
* Limestone crevices; 6002000 m. Chongqing, SE Gansu (Wenxian), N Guangxi (Luocheng, Yishan), Guizhou, N Henan (Huixian), Hubei (Yichang), S Shaanxi (Xixiang), Sichuan, Yunnan.
Pteris actiniopteroides is a xeric and calciphilous plant.
The type of Pteris actiniopteroides is from Yunnan (Mengzi).
岩凤尾蕨 yan feng wei jue
Pteris nana H. Christ; P. trifoliata H. Christ (1899), non Fιe (1857).
Plants 1525 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered, monomorphic; stipe brown at base, upper part straw-colored, slightly lustrous, 1020 cm Χ 12 mm; lamina ovate to triangular-ovate, 1020 Χ 47 cm, 3-forked or pinnate; pinnae 35; apical pinnae broadly lanceolate, 58 cm, middle part 1.22 cm wide, base broadly cuneate, sessile or shortly stalked, sterile margins triangular-serrate toward apex, remainder entire, apex acuminate; lateral pinnae smaller, decumbent, opposite, falcate, base obtuse and oblique, sessile, apex mucronate; sterile fronds similar to fertile fronds in shape but shorter and wider, apical pinnae oblong-lanceolate, lateral pinnae ovate, margins serrate except at base; lamina light brown, papery when dried, glabrous on both surfaces; costae straw-colored, abaxially convex; veins conspicuous, simple or forked.
On dark and slightly dry limestone, common in limestone soils in Southwest; 6001500 m. SW Guangxi (Longsheng), Guizhou (Douyun, Pingtang, Anlong), Sichuan, Taiwan, Yunnan (Guangnan, Maguan, Pingbian), [??add]Zhejiang [Japan (Ryukyus), Laos, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris deltodon is from Sichuan (Emeishan).
长羽凤尾蕨 chang yu feng wei jue
Plants 2530 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 6 mm in diam., apex with dark brown scales. Fronds clustered, monomorphic; stipe 1214 cm Χ 1.52 mm; lateral pinnae 1 pair, opposite, decumbent, stalked (ca. 2 mm), lanceolate (somewhat falcate), ca. 12 Χ 1.5 cm, basally asymmetric, margins upper 1/3 part of sterile ones serrate, downward entire, apically long acuminate; apical pinnae similar to lateral pinnae in shape but longer, symmetrical, cuneate at base, long stalked (1.53.5 cm); lamina brown-green, thinly papery when dried, glabrous on both surfaces; costae straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially; veins inconspicuous, oblique, parallel, ca. 1.5 mm apart, simple or forked.
* Under scrub by valleys; 11001300 m. SE Yunnan (Daweishan, Pingbian).
白沙凤尾蕨 bai sha feng wei jue
Plants ca. 40 cm tall. Rhizome prostrate, ca. 3 mm in diam., apex with brown, linear-lanceolate scales. Fronds spaced, monomorphic; stipe brown at base, apically straw-colored, ca. 25 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), glabrous, adaxially sulcate; lamina digitate, 3-forked, ca. 20 cm, middle part 610 cm; lateral pinnae 1 pair, sessile, opposite, very decumbent, subfalcate, lanceolate, ca. 1.2 cm, basally slightly oblique, broadly cuneate, cartilaginous at margin, sterile fronds entire at base, apically thin and acutely serrate, apically acuminate; apical pinnae narrowly lanceolate, up to 22 Χ ca. 1.4 cm, basally symmetrical, cuneate, stalked (11.5 cm), thin and acutely serrate toward apices; lamina cinereous-green, papery when dried, costae with pallid vertical stripes on both sides of adaxial surface, glabrous on both surfaces; costae straw-colored, glabrous, adaxially sulcate; veins inconspicuous, dense, parallel, oblique, 1- or 2-forked.
* Forests. Hainan (Baisha).
五叶凤尾蕨 wu ye feng wei jue
Pteris nana H. Christ var. quinquefoliata Copeland, Philipp. J. Sci., Sect. C. Bot. 3: 282. 1908.
Plants ca. 25 cm tall. Rhizome not seen. Fronds clustered, monomorphic; stipe straw-colored, slender, ca. 15 cm; lamina ca. 10 Χ 10 cm, pinnate or palmate; middle pinnae longest, lanceolate, ca. 8 cm, middle ca. 1 cm wide, basally cuneate, entire, shortly stalked (ca. 1 cm), apically mucronate and acute, serrate; lateral pinnae often 2 pairs, opposite, oblique, basal pair shortly stalked, 2-forked, second lateral pinnae equal in shape to apical pinnae but shorter, basal one oblong-lanceolate, ca. 3 cm, slightly reflexed; lamina papery when dried, glabrous on both surfaces; midvein adaxially brown-straw colored, convex; veins simple or 2-forked at base.
* On limestone. N Guangdong (Lianxian).
广东凤尾蕨 guang dong feng wei jue
Plants 3050 cm tall. Rhizome not seen. Fronds clustered, monomorphic; stipe brown at base, apically and rachis straw-colored, slightly lustrous, 2035 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, apex compressed, glabrous; lamina ovate, 2025 Χ 1015 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae 26 pairs, opposite, sessile or basal pair subsessile, decumbent; apical pinnae ± connate with lower lateral pairs, not decurrent or slightly decurrent at base; apical pinnae largest, lanceolate, 1015 Χ 22.5 cm, basally broadly cuneate, apically acuminate; lateral pinnae similar to apical pinnae in shape, but shorter, sometimes broadly lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, basal pair 2-forked, fertile pinnae entire, only sterile tips raw[??] and acutely serrate, margins of sterile pinnae slightly irregular and acutely serrate; lamina brown-green, thinly leathery when dried, matte, glabrous on both surfaces; with scales on axil of pinnae, scales black-brownish, linear; midvein abaxially convex, straw-colored; veins conspicuous and convex on both sides, simple or forked.
* On rocks; ca. 800 m. Guangdong (Wengyuan, Yangchun, Yunfu).
The type of Pteris guangdongensis is from Guangdong (Yunfu).
胡氏凤尾蕨 hu shi feng wei jue
Plants ca. 25 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered, monomorphic; stipe straw-colored, 617 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, as long as rachises, glabrous; lamina broadly ovate, 510 Χ 1012 cm, 1-pinnate or nearly bipinnate; lateral pinnae 1 or 2 pairs, opposite, stalked, basal pair largest, stalked (510 mm), 2- or 3-forked; middle one largest, oblong-lanceolate to oblong-ovate, 3.56 cm; middle pinnae 1.52 cm wide, base broadly cuneate, sterile margins serrate, apex obtuse; secondary pair of pinnae simple, same shape and size as middle basal pair; apical pinnae same as secondary pair in shape and longer, up to 89 cm; lamina pale green, subleathery when dried, midvein abaxially convex, light brown-straw-colored; veins 2-forked.
* Limestone crevices; ca. 700 m. NW Guangxi (Fengshan).
栗柄凤尾蕨 li bing feng wei jue
Pteris plumbea var. sintenensis Masamune [Fl. Taiwan treats this synonym as syn. with P. cadieri].
Plants 2535 cm tall. Rhizome erect or slightly oblique, apex with black or brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe castaneous, tetragonous, 1020 cm Χ 12 mm; rachises similar (sometimes straw-colored when young), margin sometimes straw-colored, shiny, glabrous; lamina (mature) nearly monomorphic, oblong or ovate-oblong, 2025 Χ 1015 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae often 2 pairs, opposite, decumbent; basal pinnae often 2- or 3-forked; apical pinnae linear-lanceolate, 1015 cm Χ 810 mm, base broadly cuneate, slightly oblique, apex acuminate; lateral pinnules much shorter than apical ones; secondary pinnae rarely 2-forked, sessile, not decurrent, apical pinnae often adnate to next lateral apical pinnae, basally ± decrescent; lamina with cartilaginous margins, fertile parts entire, sterile parts serrate; lamina cinereous-green or adaxial brown-brown, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; midvein biconvex, veins conspicuous, simple or forked.
Limestone crevices within open forests; 200700 m. Fujian (Xianxialing), Guangdong, Guangxi, S Hunan (Yizhang), SW Jiangsu (Jiangning), W Jiangxi (Pingxiang), Zhejiang (Jinhua, Leqing) [Cambodia, India (Assam), Japan (Ryukyu), Philippines, N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris plumbea is from Guangdong (Shantou).
欧洲凤尾蕨 ou zhou feng wei jue
Rhizome ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered, dimorphic or subdimorphic; stipe straw-colored, sometimes brown, seldom castaneous, 3045 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), ca. 2 mm in diam., glabrous; pinnae ovate, 1030 Χ 620 cm, 1-pinnate. Sterile fronds: pinnae (2 or)35 pairs (sometimes palmate), often opposite, decumbent, basal pair shortly stalked and 2-forked (rarely 3-forked), upper ones sessile, narrowly lanceolate or lanceolate (secondary pair 2-forked), 1018(24) Χ 11.5(2) cm, base broadly cuneate, margin cartilaginous and serrate, apex acuminate. Fertile fronds: pinnae 35(8) pairs, opposite or upper alternate, decumbent, basal pinnae pair shortly stalked (25 mm), 2-forked, rarely 3-forked or simple; upper pinnae sessile, linear (or secondary pair 2-forked), 1225 cm Χ 512 mm, base broadly cuneate, apex 3-forked; midvein extremely convex abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous; lamina green or cinereous-green, papery when dried, glabrous; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, distant, oblique, simple or forked at base; lamina green or cinereous-green, papery when dried, glabrous.
Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, SW Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, S Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, W Zhejiang [Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Pacific islands (Fiji), Polynesia (Hawaii); Africa, Europe].
The typical variety (Pteris cretica var. cretica) is distributed in Europe and Africa. The type is from the Mediterranean coast.
1a.. Stipes straw-colored; pinnae margins serrate, broadly cuneate at base, 3-forked at apices, base of pinnae either not decurrent or decurrent ................................................................... 19a. var. nervosa
1b.. Stipes often brown, surfaces scabrous; apical 3-forked pinnae decurrent at base. .. 19b. var. laeta
凤尾蕨 feng wei jue
Pteris nervosa Thunberg, Syst. Veg., ed. 14 (J. A. Murray). 930. 1784; P. pentaphylla Willdenow; P. serrulata Forsskal var. intermedia H. Christ.
Stipe straw-colored. Pinnae basally broadly cuneate, either not decurrent or decurrent, margins serrate and often rough and acute, apically acuminate and acutely serrate, 3-forked.
Among shrubs on limestone terrain; 4003200 m. [??add]Anhui, Chongqing, Fujian (Nanping), Guangdong (Lianxian), Guangxi, Guizhou, SW Henan (Jigongshan, Neixiang, Zhenping), Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi (Jianggangshan, Lushan), S Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, W Zhejiang (Shouchang) [Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Pacific islands (Fiji), Polynesia (Hawaii)].
The type of Pteris cretica var. nervosa is from Japan.
粗糙凤尾蕨 cu cao feng wei jue
Pteris laeta Wallich ex Ettingshausen, Farnkr. Jetzw. 96. 1864, [1865]; P. cretica var. cartilagidens H. Christ; P. cretica var. rosthornii Diels; P. plumbea Wu, Wong & Pong, Bull. Dept. Biol. Sun Yatsen Univ. No. 3. 230, t. 106. 1932, nom. illeg., non H. Christ (1909).
Stipe often brown, surfaces scabrous. Apical pinnae 3-forked; pinnae decurrent at base.
Acidic soils of valleys; 9002600 m. Fujian, Guangdong (Ruyuan), Guangxi, Guizhou (Kaili), Jiangxi (Huanggangshan, Tonggushan), Sichuan (Emeishan, Yaan), SE Xizang, Yunnan [Bhutan, Cambodia, N India, Nepal, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris cretica var. laeta is from Nepal.
Pteris cretica var. laeta is taller and stronger than var. nervosa.
阔叶凤尾蕨 kuo ye feng wei jue
Plants robust, 11.5 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, robust, 23 cm in diam., woody, with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered, dimorphic; stipe dark straw-colored, sometimes reddish brown, shiny, 6090 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), 46 mm in diam., firm, glabrous, surfaces smooth or ± rough. Lamina of sterile fronds 2530 Χ ca. 20 cm, 1-pinnate, pinnae 3 or 4(6) pairs, decumbent, subopposite, basal pairs 45 cm apart, basal pair shortly stalked and forked, remainder sessile, simple, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 1528 cm, 25 cm wide at middle, basally broadly cuneate, margins cartilaginous, entire below, upper part dentate, apically acuminate or tapering. Fertile fronds 4050 Χ ca. 35 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae 5 or 6 pairs, opposite, decumbent, basal 2 or 3 pairs often forked, 56 cm apart, shortly stalked (48 mm), upper sessile, pinnae linear, up to 30 Χ 11.3 cm, basally cuneate, apically acuminate, sterile fronds serrate toward apex, remainder entire; apical pinnae 3-forked and decurrent at base; midvein extremely convex adaxially, straw-colored, sometimes brown-stramineous; lamina pale green, thinly leathery when dried, glabrous, veins conspicuous on both sides, straight, parallel, nearly spreading (sterile pinnae slightly decumbent), simple or forked; rachises straw-colored, grooved adaxially.
Among rocks in dense forests; 8001500 m. Fujian, Guangdong (Lechang, Ruyuan, Xinyi), Guangxi (Longjin), Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan (Emeishan), N Hunan, Yunnan [N Vietnam].
1a.. Stipes of fertile frond smooth ...................................................................... 20a. var. esquirolii
1b.. Stipes of fertile frond rough, and upward from median to costae with sparse verrucose tubers[??] 20b. var. muricatula
阔叶凤尾蕨 (原变种) kuo ye feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Stipe of fertile frond smooth.
Among rocks in dense forests; 8001500 m. Fujian, Guangdong (Lechang, Ruyuan, Xinyi), Guangxi (Longjin), Guizhou, Sichuan (Emeishan), Yunnan [N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris esquirolii is from Guizhou.
刺柄凤尾蕨 ci bing feng wei jue
Pteris muricatula Ching, Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol. Bot. 10: 173. 1940.
Sterile fronds not seen. Fertile fronds very similar to those of typical variety. Principally distinct in rough surface of stipes, and upward from median to costae with sparse verrucose tubers[??].
* N Hunan.
This plant is perhaps a different species, but since we did not see the sterile fronds, we are treating it here as a variety.
长叶凤尾蕨 chang ye feng wei jue
Plants 6090 cm tall. Stipes of sterile fronds dark brown like costae, 3050 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, robust, glabrous; lamina ovate, ca. 40 Χ 15 cm, 1-pinnate; apical pinnae 2- or 3-forked, decurrent to lower pair of lateral pinnae at base, lateral pinnae 3 or 4 pairs, opposite, basal pairs separate from each other by ca. 4 cm, extremely oblique, sessile, narrowly linear, 2427 Χ ca. 1 cm, often slightly decurrent at base forming thin wings on basiscopic side, entire or slightly undulate, long acuminate (apical fertile parts 68 cm); basal 1 or 2 pinnae pairs pinnate; midvein raised abaxially, dark straw-colored or dark brown; veins approximate, spreading, simple or 2-forked.
* Rock crevices; ca. 800 m. C and S Taiwan.
爪哇凤尾蕨 zhao wa feng wei jue
[??Pteris matsudai Masamune].
Plants 5080 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, robust, 1.52 cm in diam., apex with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe stamineous, seldom brown or castaneous, slightly lustrous, 3050 cm Χ 34 mm, glabrous, basal part scaly, scales caducous; lamina oblong-ovate, 3545 Χ 2530 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae (3 or)46 pairs, opposite, decumbent, linear-lanceolate, 1520 Χ 23.2 cm, basally broadly cuneate, margin entire, slightly undulate, obviously reflexed, and cartilaginous, apically long caudate; basal pair shortly stalked, middle ones sessile, upper pairs often connate with rachis and ± decurrent forming narrow wings; 3-forked apical pinnae not decurrent or slightly decurrent at base; pinnae at base not shortened, lowest 1 or 2 pairs often 2-forked; lamina cinereous-green, thinly herbaceous when dried, glabrous, shiny especially adaxially, smooth; midvein abaxially convex, light straw-colored; veins slender, contiguous, slightly raised on both surfaces, often simple or rarely forked at base.
Acidic soils beneath open forests; 8001500 m. ?SE Taiwan (Gaoxiong), Yunnan [Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, N Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam].
According to W. C. Shieh (1994. in T. C. Huang (ed.), Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 1: 232), it is also distributed in SE Taiwan (Gaoxiong).
The type of Pteris venusta is from Indonesia (Java).
全缘凤尾蕨 quan yuan feng wei jue
Pteris indochinensis H. Christ; P. platysora Baker.
Plants 11.5 m tall. Rhizome ascending, robust, ca. 3 cm in diam., woody, apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark straw-colored and slightly lustrous, castaneous-brown near base, firm, 6090 cm Χ 57 mm, sparsely scaly; scales brownish black, caducous; lamina ovate-oblong, 5080 Χ 2030 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae 614 pairs, opposite or sometimes subopposite, decumbent, linear-lanceolate, 1620 cm, base cuneate, margin entire, slightly undulate, and cartilaginous, apex acuminate; basal pairs of sterile pinnae, ca. 2.5 cm wide, with stipe ca. 1 cm; pinnae 46 cm apart, basal pair sometimes with a short branch; fertile pinnae up to middle part, 11.5 cm wide, shortly stalked, same in shape as apical pinnae, stipitate; veins conspicuous, midvein abaxially convex, dark straw-colored, veins oblique, prominent on both surfaces, sparse, simple or forked at base; lamina cinereous-green to brown-green, without luster, thinly papery when dried, glabrous; rachises light brown; indusia pallid or cinereous-brown, linear, entire.
Dense forests along valleys or streams; 200800 m. Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou (Dushan, Jiangkou), Hainan (Lingshui), Hunan (Jiangyong, Qianyang, Yizhang), Jiangxi, Yunnan (Honghe), S Zhejiang (Taishun) [Malaysia, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris insignis is from Guangdong.
勐腊凤尾蕨 meng la feng wei jue
Plants ca. 60 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, apex densely clothed with brown scales. Stipe firm, straw-colored, ca. 27 cm Χ 2 mm, glabrous; lamina oblong, up to 30 Χ ca. 15 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae 4 or 5 pairs, subalternate, decumbent, linear-lanceolate, basal pair up to 17 Χ 11.3 cm, basally rounded-cuneate, stalked (ca. 1 cm), margins entire and cartilaginous, apically acuminate; upper two pairs of pinnae cuneate at base, connate with rachis at base, not decrescent, stipitate; midvein prominent abaxially, straw-colored; veins dense, simple or 2-forked; lamina blue-green, papery when dried, abaxially sparsely hairy on both sides of midvein.
* Open forests; ca. 700 m. S Yunnan (Mengla).
蜈蚣草 wu gong cao
Pteris vittata f. cristata Ching.
Plants (20)30100(150) cm tall. Rhizome erect, short and robust, 22.5 cm in diam., woody, apex densely clothed with yellow-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe firm, dark straw-colored or light brown, 1030 cm or larger, 34 mm in diam., densely scaly when young, scales like those of rhizome, sparse; lamina oblanceolate-oblong, 2090 cm or larger, 525 cm wide or more, 1-pinnate; apical pinnae similar to lateral pinnae in shape; lateral pinnae numerous (up to 40 pairs), alternate or sometimes subopposite; lower pinnae distant, 34 cm apart, decumbent, sessile, not connate with rachises; pinnae shortened downward, basal pair auriculiform, middle pairs longest, narrowly linear, 615 cm Χ 510 mm, basally slightly expanded and cordate, apically acuminate; both sides of pinnae slightly auriculiform, upper ones larger and overlapping rachis; pinnae 11.5 cm apart, sterile margin minute and evenly serrate, not cartilaginous; midvein prominent abaxially and light straw-colored; veins slender, contiguous, oblique, simple or forked; lamina pale green, opaque, thinly leathery, glabrous; rachises straw-colored, sparsely scaly.
Calcareous soils, on limestone, also on stone and on walls; up to ca. 2000 m. Anhui, Fujian, SE Gansu (Kangxian), Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, SW Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Taiwan, Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang [widely distributed in tropics and subtropics of the Old World].
Plants of Pteris vittata are very different in shape and size, varying according to their habitats.
The type of Pteris vittata is from Guangdong.
剑叶凤尾蕨 jian ye feng wei jue
Plants 3050 cm tall. Rhizome ascending or prostrate, slender, 45 mm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds dense, dimorphic; stipe straw-colored as well as rachises, slightly lustrous, 1030 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), 1.52 mm in diam., glabrescent; lamina oblong-ovate, 1025 cm (sterile fronds shorter than fertile fronds), 515 cm wide, pinnate to bipinnate; pinnae 26 pairs, opposite, slightly decumbent, upper ones sessile, lower pairs shortly stalked; sterile fronds at base 1.52(3) cm apart, triangular, 2.53.5(8) Χ 1.52.5(8) cm, often pinnate, acuminate; pinnules 2 or 3 pairs, opposite, contiguous, sessile, decumbent, oblong-oblanceolate to broadly lanceolate, basally decurrent and entire, upward and apices with acute teeth, apically obtuse; pinnae of fertile fronds distant (basal pairs 57 cm apart), 13-forked, middle fork longest, apical pinnae not decurrent at base, basal two pairs sometimes pinnate; pinnules 2 or 3(or 4) pairs, decumbent, narrowly linear, basally decurrent, margins entire except at apices, sterile parts with dense teeth, apically acuminate; midvein straw-colored, adaxially prominent; veins dense, often forked; lamina cinereous-green to brown-green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Wet acidic soils beneath forests, stream margins; 1001000 m. Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, SW Guizhou (Anlong), Hainan, S Jiangxi, Sichuan (Emeishan, Yaan), Taiwan, S Yunnan, S Zhejiang (Pingyang) [Cambodia, N India, Japan (Ryukyus), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, [??add]Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Australia, Pacific islands (Fiji), Polynesia].
The type of Pteris ensiformis is from Sri Lanka.
1a. Basal pinnae pair 2- or 3-forked, second and third pairs 2-forked occasionally (rarely to fifth pair); median sterile lateral pinnae narrowly lanceolate, 46 Χ ca. 1 cm; fronds often 1-pinnate, or ± bipinnate at base 26c. var. merrillii
1b. Basal pinnae pair or lateral pinnae often 24 forked, lowest pair (or basal pairs) often 3- or 4-forked or nearly pinnate.
2a. Pinnae midveins with two pallid, off-white bands on both sides along midvein; fronds bipinnate 26b. var. victoriae
2b. Pinnae midveins lacking off-white bands.
3a. Fertile pinnae apically not forked, (or 2- or 3-forked); fronds bipinnate, pinnae 36 pairs, 2.53.5(8) cm ..................................................................................................... 26a. var. ensiformis
3b. Fertile pinnae apically 1- or 2-forked, pinnae 23 cm, spreading ........... 26d. var. furcans
剑叶凤尾蕨 (原变种) jian ye feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Phorolobus chinensis Desvaux; Pteris crenata Swartz; P. serrulata Forsskal var. obtusata H. Christ; P. striata Poiret, [??year, ??not Desvaux (1827)].
Pinnae bipinnate, 36 pairs, fertile pinnae often 2- or 3-forked.
Wet acidic soils beneath forests, stream margins; 1001000 m. Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, SW Guizhou (Anlong), Hainan (Nanshanling, Sanya), S Jiangxi, Sichuan (Emeishan, Yaan), Taiwan, S Yunnan, S Zhejiang (Pingyang) [Cambodia, N India, Japan (Ryukyus), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Australia, Pacific islands (Fiji), Polynesia].
The plants are indicators of acidic soils, with a pH of 4.55.0.
白羽凤尾蕨 bai yu feng wei jue
Middle pinnae with pallid off-white bands on both sides of midvein.
Forests; ca. 300 m. Hainan (Nanshanling, Yaxian) [N India, Indochina [??countries], Malaysia].
少羽凤尾蕨 shao yu feng wei jue
Pteris merrilli C. Christensen ex Ching, Acta Phytotax. Sin. 9: 348. 1964, [merilli].
Fronds simple, often 1-pinnate or more divided, or bipinnate at base; pinnae 24 pairs, basal pair simple or 2- or 3-forked, sometimes pinnate; sterile fronds: margins of pinnae or pinnules serrate, obtuse at apex, acute, or acuminate[??apex of pinnae or teeth]; middle pinnae narrowly lanceolate, 46 Χ ca. 1 cm.
* Forests. Guangdong (Zhujiang Estuary and adjacent islands), Guangxi (Guiping, Lingui, Tengxian), Hainan, Taiwan (Taibei).
The type of Pteris ensiformis var. merrillii is from Hainan.
叉羽凤尾蕨 cha yu feng wei jue
Fertile pinnae apically 1- or 2-forked, segments 23 cm, spreading.
* Among rocks on slopes; ca. 400 m. Chongqing.
珠叶凤尾蕨 zhu ye feng wei jue
Plants short, 1015 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 34 mm in diam., apex with light brown scales. Fronds dimorphic; stipe light straw-colored, slender, 68 cm (stipes of sterile fronds shorter), less than 1 mm in diam., glabrous; lamina of fertile fronds triangular, 510 Χ 35 cm, 2- or 3-pinnate; pinnae ca. 7 pairs, alternate or subopposite, basal pairs ca. 2.5 cm apart, spreading, narrowly ovate, ca. 4 Χ 2 cm, bipinnate, stalked (ca. 6 mm); pinnules ca. 3 pairs, slightly ascending; ultimate pinnules oblong-lanceolate, 79 Χ 22.5 mm, base broadly cuneate, entire, apex obtuse; pinnae upward simpler, sessile; sterile fronds slightly shorter, pinnae similar to pinnules in shape but wider, margins with acute teeth; midvein conspicuous, pale green, veins not conspicuous, simple or forked; lamina pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; rachises and costae pale green and with narrow wings.
* Fujian (Xiamen).
井栏边草 jing lan bian cao
Pteris serrulata Linnaeus f., Suppl. Pl. 445. 1782, nom. illeg.
Plants 3045 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 11.5 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds numerous, clustered, distinctly dimorphic. Sterile fronds: stipe straw-colored or dark brown with straw-colored margins, slightly lustrous, 1525 cm Χ 1.52 mm, glabrous; lamina ovate-oblong, 2040 Χ 1520 cm, 1-pinnate; pinnae often 3 pairs, opposite, ascending, sessile, linear-lanceolate, 815 cm Χ 610 mm, basally acuminate, margins with irregular acute teeth and cartilaginous, basal one with 1 or 2 pairs often forked, sometimes nearly pinnate, apical 3-forked pinnae and upper ones decurrent at base, forming wings 35 mm along rachis (base of wings attenuate). Fertile fronds: stipe long, pinnae 46 pairs, narrowly linear, 1015 cm Χ 47 mm, sterile parts serrate, remainder entire, basal pair subpinnate, with stipe ca. 1 cm, others sessile, basal 2 or 3 pairs often 2- or 3-forked, upper pairs long decurrent at base, forming wings 34 mm wide along rachis; midvein prominent on both sides, straw-colored; veins conspicuous, sparse, simple or forked, sometimes between veins on both surfaces with short raised lines parallel to veins; lamina pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous throughout; rachises straw-colored, slightly lustrous.
On walls or on limestone; below ca. 1000 m. Anhui, Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei (Beidaihe), Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi (Qinling), Shandong (Laoshan, Lushan, Taishan), Sichuan, Taiwan, Zhejiang [Japan (including Ryukyus), [??add]S Korea, Philippines, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris multifida is from a cultivated plant at the Botanical Garden in Paris.
荔波凤尾蕨 li bo feng wei jue
Plants 30-40 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, scaly at growing tips; scales thick, black, lanceolate-subulate. Fronds clustered, simple, 3-forked or pinnate; stipe straw-colored, thin, 1822 cm Χ 11.5 mm, glabrous; lamina linear-lanceolate, ca. 15 Χ 34 cm, basally cordate, median fertile parts with entire margins, sterile parts downward and upward with cartilaginous and acute teeth, apically acuminate; lamina green-brownish, thinly papery, both surfaces glabrous; veins forked, nearly spreading, conspicuous on both surfaces. Sori continuous, gray, firm, entire; spores triangular, with irregular tubercles.
* Forests; ca. 1000 m. Guangxi (Napo), S Guizhou (Libo).
南岭凤尾蕨 nan ling feng wei jue
Plants perennial, up to 76 cm tall. Rhizome short, thick, decumbent, ca. 1 cm in diam. Fronds dimorphic, clustered. Stipe of sterile fronds straw-colored, light-brown at base, 2024 cm Χ ca. 1 mm, glabrous, grooved adaxially; lamina 3-forked, or apical pinnae forked into 2 pairs of pinnules, 1520 cm; middle pinnules lanceolate, ca. 18 Χ 3.2 cm, basally slightly cuneate, stalked (2.42.6 cm), cartilaginous at margins, slightly reflexed, with small acute, sparse teeth, entire at base, apically acuminate; lateral pinnules same in shape as median pinnules, but shorter, stalked (ca. 2 mm). Fertile fronds pinnate, lateral pinnae 2 pairs below apical pinna; apical pinnae linear, 19.522 cm Χ 810 mm, stalked (ca. 2 cm); lateral pinnules slightly short, stalked (58 mm); upper pair sessile, sterile margins with acute teeth; midvein straw-colored or light brownish, thinly grooved adaxially, raised abaxially; veins conspicuous, simple or forked; lamina gray-green, nearly leathery or leathery, glabrous. Sori linear, along with margin, only apices sterile; indusia gray-green, linear, membranous, nearly entire.
* Guangdong (Ruyuan).
昌江凤尾蕨 chang jiang feng wei jue
Plants 2030 cm tall. Rhizome ascendent, tenuous, ca. 3 cm Χ 24 mm, densely scaly; scales dark brown, glossy, linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, 12 mm, entire. Stipe rufous-stramineous in lower part, light green upward, 515 cm, base distinctly scaly, nitidulate, upper sulcate; lamina separate, homomorphic, simple, lanceolate, 1020 cm Χ 812 mm, basally attenuate, margins narrow, cartilaginous, nearly entire and repand at base, serrulate above, apically acuminate; costa stramineous, below prominent, smooth; veins conspicuous, straight, parallel, simple and bifurcate; lamina grass green when dried, thinly papery, glabrous. Sori brown, on margin of upper lamina except for apex; indusium light gray, narrow, membranous, entire.
* On surface of ground and rocks; 400800 m. Hainan (Wangxia Village, Changjiang).
筱英凤尾蕨 xiao ying feng wei jue
Plants 46.5(7) cm tall. Rhizome ascending, ca. 1.2 cm Χ 3.14 mm, apex sparsely scaly; scales subulate, dark brown. Fronds dispersedly distichous; stipe 2.54(5.5) cm, 0.40.6 mm in diam. at middle, sulcate adaxially, smooth and glabrous above base, sparsely scaly; lamina 35-foliolate, 22.5 Χ 2.54 cm, most often ± pedate in outline, thickly papery to leathery in texture, glabrous on both surfaces; pinnae 3, palmately arranged; terminal pinna largest, ovate-lanceolate, 1.52.5(3.1) Χ 11.4 cm, sessile or occasionally stalked (ca. 4 mm), basally cuneate and sometimes decurrent, apically blunt; lateral pair of pinnae opposite, oblong-obovate, 11.5 Χ 0.71 cm, sessile or stalked (11.5 mm), basally cuneate or basiscopically broadly cuneate, apically rounded or blunt; usually each lateral pinna with an almost free basal basiscopic lobe, lobes mostly oblong-obovate, apically rounded or blunt; margin of pinnae and lobes entire on cuneate bases, with teeth upward on sterile pinnae and 3- or 4-toothed on each side above sori on fertile pinnae; teeth deltoid or dentate, with cartilaginous tip but not aristate; lateral veins free, spreading or slightly ascending, distinct abaxially and merely conspicuous adaxially, simple or 1(or 2)-times 2-forked, almost reaching cartilaginous margins. Sori marginal on both sides of fertile pinna from 35 mm above base to 45 mm below apex, linear; indusia gray, ca. 0.8 mm wide, membranous, entire on margin.
* Limestone walls at openings of dry karst caves. S Guizhou (Libo).
[??vernacular name]
Plants often medium-sized (0.22 m tall). Rhizome often short, sometime long, erect or decumbent. Fronds monomorphic, seldom dimorphic, 2-pinnatipartite (often 3-pinnatipartite at base); pinnae well-regulated pectinate (sometimes comblike), pinnate nearly to costae; basal pinnae often with a branch (sometimes more than one branch) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinnae but smaller; segments lanceolate or ± oblong-falcate, apices obtuse or acute, usually without cartilaginous edges, entire, rarely with dull teeth; costae with spines along groove (often ± with spines along midrib) or ± praemorse; veins free, 2-forked, or rarely 2-pinnate. Sori linear; indusia cinereous-brown or brown, linear, membranous, entire, persistent.
Mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics; about 30 species in China, a few northward to south of the Yangtze River.
刺齿半边旗 ci chi ban bian qi
Pteris semipinnata Linnaeus var. dispar (Kunze) Hooker & Baker; P. semipinnata sensu DeVol, Ferns East Centr. China, Notes Bot. Chin. Mus. Heude No. 7, 109. 1945, pro parte [??omit]; [??P. taiwaniana Masamune & Suzuki].
Plants 3080 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, 710 mm in diam., apices of rhizome and bases of stipes with brownish black scales, apices [??of scales or stipe] ciliate and slightly curly. Fronds clustered (1015), subdimorphic; stipe chestnut-colored as well as rachises, shiny, 1540 cm Χ ca. 2 mm; lamina ovate-oblong, 2540 Χ 1520 cm, 2-pinnatipartite or at one side deeply bipinnate lobed; apical pinnae lanceolate, 1218 cm, 23 cm wide at base, basally rounded, pectinately parted nearly to costa, apically acuminate; segments 1215 pairs, opposite, spreading, contiguous, broadly lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, somewhat falcate, 12 cm Χ 35 mm, base basiscopically not decurrent or slightly decurrent, margins of sterile fronds with long acute spinelike teeth, apices obtuse or sometimes acute; lateral pinnae 58 pairs, same as apical pinnae in shape, opposite or subopposite, decumbent, basal pairs shortly stalked, 612 cm, 2.54 cm at base, basally oblique, divided pinnately nearly to costae on both sides or basiscopic side, apically caudate-acuminate; lobes same in shape and size as those of apical pinnae, but basiscopic lobes slightly longer than acrocopic ones, and lobe near base on basiscopic side longest, inclined, sometimes basal 1 or 2 pairs of pinnae pectinately divided again; costae abaxially convex, chestnut at base; upper straw-colored, grooved adaxially, grooves with thin raised edges (minutely and irregularly toothed); veins conspicuous, decumbent, 2-forked, veinlets reaching cartilaginous point of teeth; lamina green or pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Open forests along valleys; 3001000 m. S Anhui (Qimen), Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi (Lingui, Tengxian), Guizhou, [??add]Henan, Hubei (Jiugongshan), Hunan, S Jiangsu (Yixing), Jiangxi, Sichuan (Emeishan, Luxian), Taiwan, Zhejiang [Japan, Korea (Cheju Island), Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris dispar is from Japan.
半边旗 ban bian qi
Plants 3580(120) cm tall. Rhizome long-creeping, 11.5 cm in diam., apex with blackish brown scales; scales also at base of stipes. Fronds clustered, submonomorphic; stipe 1555 Χ 1.53 cm, stipes and rachises castaneous-reddish, shiny, glabrous; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 1540(60) Χ 615(18) cm, at one side deeply bipinnate-lobed; apical pinnae broadly lanceolate to narrowly triangular, 1018 cm, 310 cm wide at base, pectinate almost to rachis, apically caudate; segments 612 pairs, opposite, spreading, 35 mm apart, falcate-lanceolate, 2.55 cm, upper ones gradually reduced, 610 mm wide, basiscopic obtriangular wing decrescent to next lower pair of segments along costule, apices shortly acuminate; lateral pinnae 47 pairs, opposite or subalternate, spreading, basal pairs shortly stalked; upper ones sessile, half-triangular and slightly falcate, 510(18) cm, 47 cm wide at base, basally oblique, apically caudate-acuminate, both sides anisomerous, acroscopic only with a wide wing (36 mm wide), not pinnate or rarely with one or more branches of segments at base, basiscopic pectinate nearly to costules; segments 36 pairs or more, falcate-lanceolate, basal part longest, 1.54(8.5) cm Χ 36(11) mm, gradually wider upward, basally basiscopic side decurrent, margins of sterile segments acutely serrate, fertile segments with one spine or 2 or 3 acute teeth, apically mucronate or obtuse; costae prominent abaxially, chestnut adaxially, upper straw-colored, grooved adaxially, grooves with thin raised edges (minutely and irregularly toothed). Veins conspicuous, decumbent, 2-forked or bipinnate forked, veinlets reaching base of teeth; lamina cinereous-green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Acidic soil beneath open forests, by streams or rocks; below ca. 900 m. Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, S Guizhou (Ceheng, Sandou), Hunan, S Jiangxi (Anyuan, Xunwu), Sichuan (Leshan), Taiwan, S Yunnan [N India, [??Indonesia (Borneo)], Japan (Ryukyus), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris semipinnata is from Guangdong.
Pteris semipinnata is different from P. dispar in shape and distribution. The former is primarily distributed in tropical areas, while P. dispar is primarily distributed in subtropical and northern tropical areas. Both are distributed in Fujian and Taiwan, but any intersecting types have not been seen.
疏羽半边旗 shu yu ban bian qi
Pteris semipinnata Linnaeus var. dissitifolia (Baker) C. Christensen & Tardieu.
Plants 11.5 m tall. Rhizome ascending or erect, 11.5 cm in diam., apex and stipes basally densely clothed with scales; scales median brownish black, light brown to cinereous at margins, without luster, linear-lanceolate, ca. 2 mm in diam., subentire, apically long acuminate. Fronds clustered; stipe castaneous-brown, upper side sorrel-red, sometimes nearly brownish, shiny, 4080 cm Χ 45 mm, glabrous, grooved adaxially; lamina ovate-oblong, 3550 Χ 2530 cm, 2-pinnatipartite on both sides or either side; lateral pinnae 58 pairs, opposite or subopposite, basal pairs 68 cm apart, stalked (13 mm); upper sessile, decumbent, oblong-lanceolate, 1525 Χ 46 cm, basally oblique, apically tapering; basal 1 or 2 pairs of pinnae often pinnatipartite on both sides; basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side; median pinnae often pinnatipartite on basiscopic side, entire on acroscopic side or only pinnatipartite on upper parts; upper pinnae pinnatipartite on basiscopic side, entire on acroscopic side; segments lanceolate, 412 Χ 11.3 cm, gradually shorter upward, acuminate; basal segments on basiscopic longest, basally decrescent to a broad wing, sterile margins slightly serrate; apices of lamina pinnatipartite, triangular-ovate, ca. 15 Χ 1012 cm, basally broadly cuneate, somewhat decurrent, deeply parted nearly to costae, apically acuminate; segments 810 pairs, alternate or subopposite, intervals ca. 1 cm, decumbent, falcate-lanceolate, 68 cm Χ 68 mm, gradually shorter upward, basally conspicuously decrescent, with interrupted broad wing along costules, apically mucronate; rachises castaneous-brown, costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored at apex, castaneous-brown downward, grooved adaxially, grooves with thin raised light cinereous edges (minutely and irregularly toothed); veins conspicuous on both sides, sparse, decumbent, often 1- or 2-forked; lamina pale green, firmly herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Sparse, shaded forests; 100300 m. Guangdong, Hainan (Baoting), S Yunnan (Hekou, Xishuangbanna) [Laos, N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris dissitifolia is from N Vietnam.
大羽半边旗 da yu ban bian qi
Plants up to 2 m tall. Rhizome prostrate, firm, ca. 1 cm in diam., woody. Stipe castaneous-brown at base, opaque, ca. 1 m Χ 4 mm, firm, glabrous; lamina oblong-ovate, 2-pinnatipartite on either side; pinnae alternate, decumbent, sessile, basal pairs ca. 11 cm apart, falcate, narrowly triangular, ca. 40 cm, ca. 15 cm wide at base, basally oblique, apically long caudate; pinnae subequal, entire on upper margins and 1/41/3 of apical lower margin and deeply lobed on rest of lower margin, with 68 gradually shorter segments; segments linear-lanceolate, basal ones ca. 13 Χ 1.8 cm, spaced up to 2 cm wide, basally oblique, sterile margins serrate, apically acuminate; veins distinct on both surfaces, spreading, sparse, 1- or 2-forked; lamina pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; costae and rachises straw-colored, grooved on adaxial side, with few spines on raised edges.
* Mixed [??coniferous and deciduous] forests; 12001500 m. Hunan (Tongdao), SE Yunnan (Malipo).
Pteris malipoensis is represented by larger plants, rare, and similar to P. semipinnata but the former has stipes robust, straw-colored, basal pinnae up to 40 cm, segments at base ca. 13 Χ 1.8 cm, pale green when dried.
溪边凤尾蕨 xi bian feng wei jue
Pteris excelsissima Hayata; P. inaequalis Baker var. aequata (Miquel) Tagawa; P. kleiniana H. Christ (1896), non Campteris kleiniana Presl (1836); P. longipinnula Franchet & Savatier (1876), non Wallich (1828); P. semipinnata Linnaeus var. aequata Miquel.
Plants up to 180 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, robust, to 2 cm in diam., woody, apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark brown, upper side straw-colored, slightly lustrous, firm, robust, 7090 cm Χ 610 mm, glabrous; lamina broadly triangular, 60120 or more Χ 4090 cm, 2-pinnatipartite; apical pinnae broadly lanceolate-oblong, 2030 cm or larger Χ 712 cm, attenuate toward apex, pectinately divided nearly to costa, apices acuminate and caudate; segments 2025 pairs, alternate, nearly spreading, falcate-lanceolate, 3.58(10) cm Χ 610 mm, basally slightly expanded, apically acuminate, basiscopic side decurrent, margins of apical sterile fronds slightly serrate; lateral pinnae 510 pairs, alternate or subopposite, basal pairs 1015 cm apart, shortly stalked, spreading, same in shape, size, and character of pinnae as apical pinnae, basal pair largest, more than 40 cm, sometimes forked at base, upper pinnae smaller, sessile; costae abaxially convex, straw-colored, glabrous, slightly sulcate adaxially, with thick spines along groove; veins conspicuous abaxially, sparse, decumbent, often 2-forked; lamina often pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous, base of pinnae rarely pubescent abaxially; rachises straw-colored, sulcate adaxially.
Open forests, scrub; 6002700 m. Chongqing, Guangdong (Lechang, Yingde), Guangxi (Guilin, Lingui, Xiuren), Guizhou (Yinjiang, Zunyi), Hubei (Badong), Hunan (Qianyang, Yongshun), Jiangxi (Lushan, Xiushui), Sichuan, Taiwan, Xizang (Chayu, Cuona), Yunnan, [??add]Zhejiang [N India, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), [??add]S Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, [??add]Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam; Pacific islands (Fiji), Polynesia (Hawaii)].
The type of Pteris excelsa is from Hawaii, USA.
中华凤尾蕨 zhong hua feng wei jue
Pteris excelsa Gaudichaud var. inaequalis (Baker) S. H. Wu; P. excelsa var. simplicior (Tagawa) W. C. Shieh; P. inaequalis Baker (1875), [??non Fιe 1857]; P. inaequalis var. simplicior Tagawa.
Plants 40100 cm tall. Rhizome prostrate, apex with brown, lanceolate scales. Fronds monomorphic; stipe straw-colored or brownish straw-colored, 2646 cm; lamina ovate to oblong-lanceolate, 3442 Χ 1032 cm, basal part rounded or rounded-cuneate, apices caudate, 2-pinnatipartite; lateral pinnae 36 pairs, opposite, oblique, sessile or subsessile, narrowly triangular, falcate and ascending, apices long caudate, comblike pinnate, as basiscopic side of pinna divided, other side entire or with a few segments; basal pair of pinnae 1022 cm, 511 cm wide at base, with 27 segments on basiscopic side; segments falcate-lanceolate, basal one largest, 310 cm Χ 715 mm, obtuse or tapering at apex, sterile margins dentate; upper pinna sometimes not pinnate, linear; apical pinnae larger, triangular-ovate, pectinately or more divided; lamina herbaceous, glabrous; grooves of rachis and costa with short spines; veins conspicuous abaxially, not conspicuous adaxially; midvein protuberant abaxially; lateral veins oblique, forked or single.
Forests, stream margins, limestone caves; 4001400 m. Fujian (Chongan), Guangdong (Lechang), Guangxi (Longsheng, Xiuren), Guizhou, Jiangxi (Jinggangshan, Tonggu), Sichuan (Dechang, Emeishan, Hechuan), Yunnan (Kunming, Mengzi), Zhejiang (Longquan) [India, Japan].
The type of Pteris sinensis is from Yunnan (Mengzi).
红秆凤尾蕨 hong gan feng wei jue
Pteris tokioi Masamune [??check: Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Form. 25: 13. 1935].
Plants 80150 cm tall. Rhizome 11.5 cm in diam. Stipe castaneous-brown, upper parts and rachises and lower parts of costae sorrel-red, shiny, 4580 cm Χ 35 mm, glabrous; lamina ovate, 3565 Χ 3040 cm, 2-pinnatipartite, or 3-pinnatipartite at base; lateral pinnae 48 pairs, subopposite, decumbent, basal pair shortly stalked; upper pinnae sessile, lanceolate, 2530 Χ ca. 5 cm, basally rounded-cuneate and slightly oblique, pectinate, apically acute, caudate (35 cm); apical pinnae same in shape, size, and character of pinnae as middle pinnae, but wider and stalked (34 cm), basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2530 pairs, alternate, 34 mm apart, sinuses wide and obtuse, slightly decumbent, subfalcate, lanceolate, 2.54 cm Χ 57 mm, basally slightly expanded and decurrent, sterile margins densely serrulate, apically obtuse or mucronate, basal segments of pinnae slightly shorter and sparse, basally decrescent to costules; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored adaxially, shiny, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with spines along groove and bases of midribs; veins conspicuous, oblique, apical pairs of veins simple, remainder 2-forked, basal basiscopic ones from costae, others arising from midribs.
Hainan (Changjiang), Taiwan, SE Xizang (Motuo), Yunnan (Guangnan, Xishuangbanna), Zhejiang (Cangnan) [India, Indonesia, [??add]S Japan, Myanmar].
The type of Pteris amoena is from Indonesia (Java).
美丽凤尾蕨 mei li feng wei jue
Pteris decurrentipinnulata Bonaparte; P. takeoi Hayata.
Plants 70100 cm tall. Rhizome prostrate, ca. 1 cm in diam. Fronds clustered; stipe reddish brown, shiny, 3050 cm Χ 34 mm, glabrous; lamina ovate-triangular, 4560 Χ ca. 30 cm, 2-pinnatipartite; odd-pinnate at apex of lamina, ca. 16 Χ 6 cm; lateral pinnae 35 pairs, decumbent, lanceolate, 810 cm Χ 810 mm, basally cuneate, sessile, entire, acuminate at apex; lamina 2-pinnate at base; pinnae 5 or 6 pairs, opposite, 57 cm apart, decumbent, shortly stalked, oblong-lanceolate, 1218 Χ 57 cm, basally decrescent, apically narrowly lanceolate-caudate; pinnae anisomerous on both sides, with 36 pectinate segments on acroscopic side, without segments or with 13 segments at apex on basiscopic side; segments lanceolate, somewhat falcate, 3.56 cm Χ ca. 6 mm, basally slightly narrowed, basiscopically decurrent, margins entire, apically acuminate, interval ca. 4 mm wide, decumbent; costae grooved adaxially, grooves with pallid thin raised edges; veins oblique, forked; lamina firmly herbaceous when dried, pale green, glabrous; rachises castaneous, shiny, sulcate adaxially.
Taiwan (Taibei, Tainan, Taizhong) [Japan (Ryukyu)].
The type of Pteris formosana is from Taiwan.
条纹凤尾蕨 tiao wen feng wei jue
Plants 3040 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 0.51 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered (1020), distinctly dimorphic; stipe castaneous-brown, upward straw-colored, or sometimes dark straw-colored, shiny, 1525 cm, stipes of sterile fronds shorter, ca. 1 mm in diam., glabrous, apices with thin narrow green wings; laminae of sterile fronds ovate-triangular, 1015 Χ 68 cm, 2-pinnatipartite, 3-forked; apical pinnae largest, broadly lanceolate, 1015 Χ 34 cm, basally cuneate, sessile, both sides at middle with 48 pairs of pectinate pinnules, margins acutely dentate, apically acuminate; segments oblong, somewhat falcate, 11.5 cm Χ 68 mm, contiguous, obtuse at apex; lateral pinnae 1 pair, next to apical pinnae, falcate-triangular, 46 Χ 34 cm, both sides or basiscopically with 35 pectinate lobes (sometimes at base basiscopically only with one lobe), basal basiscopic one largest, simple or ± pectinate; midvein abaxially convex, slightly grooved and with spines, light straw-colored; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, often forked, with irregular short raised lines between veins. Lamina pale green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; rachises castaneous-brown, shiny, adaxially sulcate with light straw-colored margins, all with narrow wings.
Forests, on wet rocks near creeks; 200700 m. Fujian (Minhou, Nanjing), Guangdong, Guangxi, NE and SE Guizhou, Hainan, [??add]Jiangxi, Taiwan (Nantou, Taidong) [Japan (Ryukyus), N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris cadieri is from N Vietnam.
1a.. Fertile fronds 1-pinnate or sometimes subpalmate, basally decrescent to costae bearing narrow wings; pinnae linear, apices acuminate and sterile margins serrate, margins entire or slightly undulate, rarely with a few lobes, lateral pinnae 1 or 2 pairs, opposite, spreading, sessile, same as apical pinnae in shape but shorter, basal basiscopically decurrent, basal pair often 2-forked ....................... 41a. var. cadieri
1b.. Fertile fronds 1- or 2-pinnate; pinnae rounded-undulate at margins, or with lobes along rachis or pinnatipartite .......................................................................................... 41b. var. hainanensis
条纹凤尾蕨 (原变种) tiao wen feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris dimorpha Copeland; P. grevilleana Wallich var. diffusa Wu Wong & Pong [??Y. C. Wu].
Fertile fronds: lamina 1-pinnate or sometimes subpalmate, basally decrescent to costae bearing narrow wings; pinnae linear, 812 cm Χ 610 mm, apices acuminate and sterile margins serrate, margins entire or slightly undulate, rarely with a few lobes; lateral pinnae 1 or 2 pairs, opposite, spreading, sessile, same as apical pinnae in shape but shorter, basally basiscopical side decurrent, basal pair often 2-forked.
Forests, near creeks, among wet rocks; 200500 m. Fujian (Minhou, Nanjing), Guangdong, Guangxi, NE and SE Guizhou, Taiwan (Nantou, Taidong) [Japan (Ryukyus), N Vietnam].
海南凤尾蕨 hai nan feng wei jue
Pteris hainanensis Ching, Acta Phytotax. Sinica 8: 142. 1958[??166. 1959]; P. grevilleana Wu, Wang & Pong (1932), non Wallich ex J. Agardh (1839).
Fertile fronds vary from 1-pinnate to 2-pinnate; pinnae rounded-undulate at margin, or with lobes along rachis, or pinnatipartite.
* Forests; 300700 m. Guangdong (Gaoyao, Wengyuan), Guangxi (Longjin, Yaoshan), Hainan (Baoting, Ledong).
The type of Pteris cadieri var. hainanensis is from Hainan.
林下凤尾蕨 (海南植物志)[??] lin xia feng wei jue
Plants 2045 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 0.51 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered (1015 per plant), monomorphic; stipes of fertile fronds 2 Χ as long as those of sterile fronds, castaneous-brown, shiny, 2030 cm Χ 11.5 mm, glabrous, with narrow wings apically; lamina broadly ovate-triangular, 1015 Χ 812 cm, 2-pinnatipartite; apical pinnae broadly lanceolate, 812 Χ 2.53.5 cm, basally decurrent, connate below pinnae, pectinate nearly to costae on both sides, apically caudate; segments decumbent, contiguous, falcate-linear to lanceolate, 1.52 cm Χ 34 mm, margins serrulate, apically obtuse; lower segments shorter; lateral pinnae 1 or 2 pairs, opposite, decumbent, sessile, in shape of apical lateral pinnae but shorter, basally decrescent to narrow wings; basal pinnae 2-forked, basiscopic branch smaller; fertile pinnae similar to sterile pinnae, but segments shorter and sparser; costae adaxially convex, basally castaneous-brown, upper straw-colored, slightly grooved, with acute spines (ca. 0.8 mm) on both sides; veins not conspicuous on both surfaces, parallel, very decumbent, often 2-forked, occasionally 3-forked; lamina pale green, firmly herbaceous when dried, glabrous, between veins on both surfaces with short raised lines; rachises castaneous-brown, shiny, adaxially sulcate, with narrow wings on both sides adaxially.
Among rocks within forests; 100900 m. Guangdong (Foshan, Gaoyao, Xuwen), Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, Yunnan (Hekou, Xishuangbanna) [Bhutan, N India, Indonesia, Japan (Ryukyu), Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris grevilleana is from NW India.
1a.. Pinnae same color throughout .................................................................. 42a. var. grevilleana
1b. Pinnae with parallel pallid spots along both sides of costa, spots ca. 1 cm wide 42b. var. hainanensis
林下凤尾蕨（原变种) lin xia feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris quadriaurita Retzius var. digitata Baker.
Pinnae same color throughout (without pallid spots along both sides of costa).
Among rocks within forests; 100900 m. Guangdong (Foshan, Gaoyao, Xuwen), Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, Yunnan (Hekou, Xishuangbanna) [Bhutan, N India, Indonesia, Japan (Ryukyus), Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam].
白斑凤尾蕨 bai ban feng wei jue
Pinnae with parallel pallid spots along both sides of costa adaxially, spots ca. 1 cm wide.
Forests. Guangdong (Gaoyao), Guangxi (Wuming). [N India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam].
Pteris grevilleana var. ornata is a beautiful ornamental plant.
长尾凤尾蕨 chang wei feng wei jue
Pteris cretica Linnaeus var. heteromorpha Beddome.
Plants 6080 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with brown scales. Fronds clustered (810 fronds); stipe dark straw-colored to brown, slightly lustrous, 2545 cm Χ 23 mm, glabrous, ± rough; lamina oblong-ovate, 3040 Χ 2025 cm, 2-pinnatipartite; basiscopic side with pinnae linear-caudate, 1215 cm Χ 810 mm; acroscopic side narrowly rounded, slightly decurrent at base, pectinately divided nearly to costa on both sides, apically acuminate; segments 812 pairs, alternate or subopposite, contiguous and slightly imbricate, nearly spreading, linear-lanceolate, 2.53 cm, entire and with cartilaginous edges; lateral pinnae 46 pairs, opposite, decumbent, stalked (46 cm), same in shape as apical pinnae, apex with 1 or 2 pairs of pinnules shorter, sessile, linear long-caudate, oblique, on both sides segments only 24 pairs, or at basiscopic side only 1 or 2 segments and other side without segment; costae prominent abaxially, dark straw-colored or castaneous, surfaces ± rough, with shorter hairs, deeply grooved adaxially, with spines along grooves; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked; lamina cinereous-green, firmly herbaceous when dried, abaxially with sparse multicellular cinereous shorter hairs; rachises same as stipes in color, surfaces scabrous, with sparse shorter hairs.
Forests; 9001200 m. S Yunnan (Jinghong, Simao) [Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris heteromorpha is from the Philippines (Luzon).
多羽凤尾蕨 duo yu feng wei jue
Plants 6070 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, 12 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered (812 per plant); stipe dark straw-colored, slightly lustrous, 1520 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, ± rough, with sparse cinereous bristles when young, bristles deciduous; lamina oblong or broadly lanceolate, 3050 Χ 1215 cm, attenuate toward base and apex, 2-pinnatipartite; apical pinnae lanceolate, 710 Χ 22.5 cm, wider at base, basally broadly cuneate, shortly stalked, upward attenuate, apically narrowly linear-caudate (1.52(3) cm); segments 1520 pairs, alternate or subopposite, nearly spreading, 12 mm apart, linear, 512 Χ ca. 2.5 mm, slightly expanded at base, margins entire and with cartilaginous edges, apically obtuse and with 27(12) small teeth; lateral pinnae 1015 pairs, opposite, ca. 5 cm apart at base, oblique, slightly shortly stalked, upper sessile; costae abaxially convex, straw-colored, with sparse multicellular cinereous bristles, deeply grooved on adaxial side, with narrow edges on both sides along groove, with a spine at bifurcation of costa of segments; veins conspicuous and prominent on both surfaces, contiguous, oblique, 2-forked; lamina brown-green to pale green, herbaceous when dried; rachises dark straw-colored, with sparse cinereous bristles.
Evergreen forests; 7001200 m. Guangdong (Yangchun), Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan [Cambodia, Vietnam].
The type of Pteris decrescens is from Guizhou.
1a. Lateral pinnae rounded-truncate at base, apices caudate, basal pinnae gradually shorter, 57 cm, wide, middle 810 Χ 23 cm, slightly shorter upward ........................................... 44a. var. decrescens
1b.. Lateral pinnae ca. 7 cm, ca. 1.3 cm wide at base, narrowly linear, apices caudate (34 cm), basal pair almost not shortened .................................................................................. 44b. var. parviloba
多羽凤尾蕨 (原变种) duo yu feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Lateral pinnae 1015 pairs, opposite, ca. 5 cm apart at base, oblique, slightly shortly stalked, upper ones sessile, rounded-truncate at base, apices caudate; basal pinnae gradually shorter, 57 cm, wide, median 810 Χ 23 cm, slightly shorter upward.
Evergreen forests; 7001200 m. Guangdong (Yangchun), Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan [Cambodia, Vietnam].
大明凤尾蕨 da ming feng wei jue
[??basionym or without]
Lateral pinnae 7 cm, ca. 1.3 cm wide at base, narrowly linear, apices caudate (34 cm); basal pair almost not shortened.
Guangxi (Damingshan) [N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris decrescens var. parviloba is from North Vietnam.
翠绿凤尾蕨 cui lό feng wei jue
Plants 0.51.2 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, 12 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe brown, 3070 cm, glabrous, adaxially sulcate; lamina ovate, 3060 cm, middle 2025 cm wide, 2-pinnatipartite; lateral pinnae 4 or 5 pairs, opposite, adjacent to each other, decumbent, basal pair shortly stalked (upper sessile), broadly lanceolate, 2025 Χ ca. 5 cm, basally narrower and shortly cuneate, pectinate, deeply pinnatifid forming narrow wings, apically acuminate; apical pinnae same in shape as lateral pinnae, but wider and with stalk 26 cm; segments 2030 pairs, opposite or alternate, decumbent, incised acute, 23 mm apart, 24 cm Χ 58 mm, basally slightly expanded, entire and with cartilaginous border, apices obtuse and with a sharp point; costae with short spines along groove; veins biconvex, oblique, forked at base; lamina pale green, firmly herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Hainan (Diaoluoshan) Yunnan [Myanmar].
Pteris longipinnula is slightly similar to P. decrescens, but differs because is slightly larger, with lateral pinnae fewer (only 4 or 5 pairs), and much longer (to 25 cm). The segments are longer, and not serrate. It is also similar to Pteris heteromorpha, but differs in having stipes straw-colored, and costae and midvein hairy abaxially.
1a.. Plants 11.2 m tall; stipes, costae, costules, and rachises glabrous ............ 45a. var. longipinnula
1b.. Plants 5080 cm tall; stipes, costae, costules, and rachises with bristles .............. 45b. var. hirtula
翠绿凤尾蕨(原变种) cui lό feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris umbraculifera Mettenius [??ex Miquel].
Plants 11.2 m tall. Stipe brown, 6070 cm Χ ca. 1 mm, upper part of stipes and rachises, costae, and midvein blue-green; basal segments abruptly shortened, narrowly triangular, ca. 6 mm.
Hainan (Diaoluoshan), S Yunnan (Hekou, Xishuangbanna).
毛叶凤尾蕨 mao ye feng wei jue
Pteris hekouensis Ching.
Plants 5080 cm tall. Stipes grooved on upper side, with cinereous short bristles in grooves; costae adaxially prominent, with cinereous sparse bristles as well as costules. Lamina pale green, firmly herbaceous when dried; rachises with cinereous multicellular bristles.
Evergreen rain forests; 100200 m. SE Yunnan (Hekou) [Myanmar].
紫轴凤尾蕨 zi zhou feng wei jue
Plants 0.31.5 m tall. Rhizome ascending, short, 1.52 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipes scaly at base, glabrous, ± rough, with dispersed pustules[??]; lamina oblong-ovate, 2-pinnatipartite, or 3-pinnatipartite at base; [??pinnae] opposite, decumbent, sessile or basiscopically shortly stalked, lanceolate, cuneate at base, slightly oblique, pectinate nearly to costae, with linear pointed tail; apical pinnae same in shape as median lateral pinnae, stalked (11.5 cm), basal pair of pinnae often with a branch (rarely 2 branches) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinnae but smaller; segments (17)2225(32) pairs, alternate, contiguous, nearly spreading, oblong, somewhat falcate, 13 cm Χ 3.57 mm, basally slightly expanded, entire or sterile margins occasionally slightly undulate, apically mucronate or obtuse, and with a sharp corner; costae prominent abaxially, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with spines along groove; veins conspicuous on both sides, decumbent, 2-forked from base, lateral veins of segment arising from rachis, 2 opposite veins of base reaching incision of pinnae; lamina cinereous-green, often mauve at margin, subleathery when dried, glabrous (abaxially glabrous, adaxially subglabrous when young).
Forests; 8002900 m. Guangxi (Baise), Sichuan (Shimian), Xizang (Chayu, Nielamu), Yunnan [S Himalaya: Bhutan, N India, Nepal].
1a.. Plants 11.5 m tall.
2a.. Stipes, rachises, costae, margin of lamina and indusia ± purple ............ 46a. var. aspericaulis
2b.. Plants not purple .................................................................................. 46b. var. cuspigera
1b.. Plants 3050 cm tall.
3a.. Stipes, rachises, costae, margin of lamina and indusia ± purple .............. 46c. var. subindivisa
3b.. Pinnae with white or rose-colored wide band along both sides of rachis ...... 46d. var. tricolor
紫轴凤尾蕨 (原变种) zi zhou feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris roseo-lilacina Hieronymus.
Plants 11.5 m tall. Stipe as long as lamina, 45 cm in diam.; stipes, rachises, costae, margins of lamina, and indusia ± mauve, sometimes straw-colored; lamina oblong-ovate, 5080 Χ 2025 cm; lateral pinnae 614 pairs, opposite, decumbent, sessile or basiscopically shortly stalked, lanceolate, (6)1518(23) Χ (1.5)2.53(5) cm.
Forests; 8002900 m. Guangxi (Baise), Sichuan (Shimian), Xizang (Chayu, Nielamu), Yunnan [Bhutan, N India, Nepal].
高原凤尾蕨 gao yuan feng wei jue
Plants not purple. Base of stipes brown, apically straw-colored, same as rachises and costae; stipe ± rough, sometimes glabrous.
* Forests along valleys; 19002300 m. Sichuan (Shimian), Xizang (Chayu, Neilamu), Yunnan (Gongshan).
The type of Pteris aspericaulis var. cuspigera is from Yunnan (Gongshan).
高山凤尾蕨 gao shan feng wei jue
Pteris subindivisa C. B. Clarke, Trans. Linn. Soc., Bot., ser. 2, 1: 467. 1880; P. quadriaurita Retzius var. subindivisa (C. B. Clarke) Beddome.
Plants small, precocious[??]. Stipe ca. 8 cm; lamina to 18 Χ 33.5 cm, with 1 or 2 pairs of lateral pinnae 26 cm.
W Yunnan (Gongshan) [common in S Himalaya].
The type of Pteris aspericaulis var. subindivisa is from the Himalaya.
三色凤尾蕨 san se feng wei jue
Pteris tricolor Linden, Gard. Chron. 1860: 217[??123]. 1860.
Pinnae white or rosy, with pallid or rose-colored wide bands along both sides of rachis.
SE Yunnan (Yingjiang) [Bhutan, India (Sikkim)].
Pteris aspericaulis var. tricolor is a beautiful ornamental plant.
隆林凤尾蕨 long lin feng wei jue
Plants up to 1 m tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe brown at base, dark, ca. 80 cm Χ 5 mm, upper part straw-colored, with 2 angular grooves on upper side; lamina narrowly ovate, ca. 55 cm, ca. 25 cm wide at base, 2-pinnatipartite (or 3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae ca. 7 pairs, opposite, decumbent, approximate, basal pair of pinnae with stalks ca. 2 cm, apical pairs shortly stalked to gradually sessile; basiscopic pinnae broadly lanceolate, 2530 Χ 48 cm, basally narrower, subtruncate, symmetrical, pectinate nearly to costae, apically linear-caudate (ca. 5 cm); lowest basal pair 2-forked at base, with a deeply pectinately pinnate pinnule at base; apical pinnae same in shape as lateral pinnae, but with longer stalk; segments ca. 30 pairs, alternate, contiguous, decumbent, linear-lanceolate, somewhat falcate, median ones 35 cm, 58 mm wide at base, upper ones gradually reduced, acute or obtuse, with a sharp corner, entire; costae glabrous, sulcate adaxially, with flat aciculate spines at both narrow sides of costa, and short spine on midvein; veins conspicuous, prominent abaxially, 2-forked at base, oblique; lamina papery when dried, glabrous; rachises straw-colored, glabrous.
* Densely shaded or open forests; 7001000 m. NW Guangxi (Longlin), Guizhou, Hunan (Fenghuang, Tongdao).
1a.. Lateral pinnae ca. 25 Χ 8 cm, apices linear-caudate; segments linear, ca. 5 cm, ca. 8 mm wide at base ................................................................................................................. 47a. var. splendida
1b.. Lateral pinnae lanceolate, 2630 Χ 45 cm; segments to 3 cm Χ 56 mm ... 47b. var. longlinensis
隆林凤尾蕨(原变种) long lin feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Lateral pinnae ca. 25 Χ 8 cm, apices linear, caudate; segments linear-lanceolate, somewhat falcate, median segments ca. 5 cm Χ 8 mm; lamina papery when dried, abaxially cinereous-green, adaxially pale green.
* Open forests in sand-shale areas; ca. 700 m. NW Guangxi (Longlin), Guizhou, Hunan (Fenghuang, Tongdao).
The type of Pteris splendida is from Guangxi.
The typical variety is similar to Pteris fauriei, but the formers pinnae is deeply pinnatifid, with numerous long spines, and with a short acute spine at the apices of segments, a pair of veins at the segment base extends at a near right angle, almost parallel to the rachis.
细羽凤尾蕨 xi yu feng wei jue
Lateral pinnae narrower than those of P. splendida, lanceolate, 2630 cm, median pinnae 45 cm wide; segments up to 3 cm Χ 56 mm; fronds adaxially brown-green when dried, slightly lustrous.
* Densely shaded forests; ca. 1000 m. NW Guangxi (Longlin), Hunan (Fenghuang).
有刺凤尾蕨 you ci feng wei jue
Plants 9012 cm tall. Rhizome erect, robust, 23 cm in diam., woody, apex densely clothed with black-brown, subulate scales. Fronds clustered (610 per plant); stipe 5060 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, brown and sparsely scaly, upper part of stipes and rachises straw-colored, sometimes brown-green, glabrous; lamina oblong, 4060 Χ 2030 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (or 3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 916 pairs, opposite, decumbent, lowest pair slightly shortly stalked, 1518 Χ 23 cm, basal lateral pinnae with 24 pinnules on basiscopic side, pectinately pinnate (same in shape as apical pinnae but smaller); apical pinnae sessile, linear-lanceolate, basally broadly cuneate, pectinate nearly to costae, apically acuminate; apical pinnae same in shape and size as median lateral pinnae, with stipe ca. 1 cm; segments 2832 pairs, alternate, slightly decumbent, 12 mm apart, oblong, sometimes falcate, 11.8 cm Χ 35 mm, entire; costae straw-colored, sometimes light brown or mauve, abaxially convex, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with needlelike spines along groove and midvein; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked from base, veins of segment base oblique, reaching margin of incision; lamina pale green, firmly herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Forests; 14002500 m. Guizhou (Puan), Sichuan (Emeishan), Taiwan, S and W Yunnan [[??add??E Himalaya, Japan, Philippines].
The type of Pteris setuloso-costulata is from Taiwan.
平羽凤尾蕨 ping yu feng wei jue
Plants 6080 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex with yellowish brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe reddish brown at base, 2555 cm Χ 23 mm; stipes and rachises straw-colored or brown-straw-colored, slightly lustrous, glabrous; lamina ovate, 2535(40) Χ 2025(30) cm, 2-pinnatipartite (or 3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 49 pairs, opposite, basal pairs 34 cm apart, sessile, 1216(18) cm, 1.82.5(2.8) cm wide at base, basally subtruncate or rounded-truncate, pectinate and forming narrow wings along costae, apically acuminate or long caudate (24 cm); pinnae slightly smaller, spreading or oblique; apical pinnae same in shape and size as lateral ones but wider, sometimes narrower at base, stalked (12 cm); basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2328 pairs, alternate or subopposite, contiguous or in intervals ca. 1 mm wide, slightly oblique, oblong, sometimes falcate, 11.5 cm Χ 45 mm, basally slightly expanded, apices obtuse, entire; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with short and flat spines along groove, midvein with sparse spines or hardly spined; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked from base, veins at segment base oblique, reaching margin of incision. Lamina grass green, thinly herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Open forests, near river margins; 3001200 m. Chongqing, Fujian (Chongan, Jianyang, Wuyishan), Guangdong (Guangzhou, Luofushan, Renhua), Guangxi, Guizhou (Dushan, Jiangkou, Langdai), Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan (Emeishan), S Yunnan [Japan].
1a.. Lateral pinnae spreading by right angles, linear-lanceolate, straight or somewhat falcate, 1216(18) cm, 1.82.5(2.8) cm wide at base .............................................................. 49a. var. kiuschiuensis
1b.. Lateral pinnae often decumbent, up to 3.7 cm wide ........................... 49b. var. centro-chinensis
平羽凤尾蕨 (原变种) ping yu feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Lateral pinnae spreading, forming a right angle to rachis, linear-lanceolate, straight or somewhat falcate, 1216(18) Χ 1.82.5(2.8) cm.
Open forests; 5001200 m. Chongqing, Fujian (Chongan, Jianyang, Wuyishan), Guangdong (Guangzhou, Luofushan, Renhua), Guangxi, Guizhou (Dushan, Jiangkou, Langdai), Hunan, Jiangxi (Nanping, Yifeng), Sichuan (Emeishan), S Yunnan [Japan].
The type of Pteris kiuschiuensis is from S Japan.
华中凤尾蕨 hua zhong feng wei jue
Lateral pinnae often decumbent, up to 3.7 cm wide.
Near river margins; 300800 m. Chongqing, Fujian (Chongan, Jianyang), Guangdong, Guangxi (Pingnan, Rongshui, Tianyang), Guizhou (Dushan, Langdai), Hunan (Baojing, Dongan, Huitong), Jiangxi, Sichuan (Emeishan), S Yunnan.
The type of Pteris kiuschiuensis var. centro-chinensis is from Guangdong.
斜羽凤尾蕨 xie yu feng wei jue
Plants 5080 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, apex with brownish black scales. Fronds clustered; stipe brown at base, upper part with rachises and costae straw-colored, 2550 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, glabrous; lamina oblong, 3040 cm, median 1018 cm wide, 2-pinnatipartite (or 3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 79 pairs, opposite, decumbent, sessile, lanceolate, basal ones broadly cuneate, symmetrical, lowest pair of pinnae cut obliquely from base, pectinate, lobed nearly to costae; apical pinnae same as middle lateral pinnae, with stipe ca. 1 cm, basal pair of pinnae often with a branch (sometimes 2 branches), branch similar in shape to main part of pinna; segments 2230 pairs, alternate or opposite, ca. 1 mm apart, spreading or decumbent, lanceolate, somewhat falcate, 11.5 cm, 34 mm wide at base, slightly expanded, slightly narrower toward top, obtuse, entire; costae glabrous, abaxially sulcate, with needlelike spines along groove, midvein with few needlelike spines or spineless; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, 2-forked at base, oblique, basal pair of veins reaching margin above sinus; lamina pale green or brown-green when dried, herbaceous, glabrous.
Open forests; 300900 m. Chongqing, Fujian (Nanping), Guangdong, Guangxi (Baise, Yangshuo), Guizhou (Pingtang, Zhenfeng), Hunan, Jiangxi (Dayu, Quannan, Yifeng), Sichuan, [??add]Zhejiang [Japan, N Vietnam].
1a.. Basal lateral pinnae (8)1114 (17) Χ (1.7)22.8 cm, with short, acute tips 12 cm .... 50a. var. oshimensis
1b.. Basal lateral pinnae 1425 cm, often 1.73.5 cm wide, with long tips often 49 cm, occasionally ca. 3 cm .......................................................................................................... 50b. var. paraemeiensis
斜羽凤尾蕨 (原变种) xie yu feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris asperula sensu H. Christ, Bull. Herb. Boissier 2: 1016. 1901, non J. Smith (1841)[??omit]; Pteris omeiensis Ching, excl. Fang 17956.
Basal lateral pinnae (8)1114(17) cm, median (1.7)22.8 cm wide, attenuate toward top and forming linear short, acute tips 12 cm, not or slightly narrower at base.
Open forests; 300900 m. Chongqing, Fujian (Nanping), Guangdong, Guangxi (Baise, Yangshuo), Guizhou (Pingtang, Zhenfeng), Hunan, Jiangxi (Dayu, Quannan, Yifeng), Sichuan (Emeishan) [Japan, N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris oshimensis is from S Japan.
尾头凤尾蕨 wei tou feng wei jue
Pteris omeiensis Ching, quoad Fang 17956.
Lower lateral pinnae 1425 Χ 1.73.5 cm, with long tips often 49 cm, occasionally ca. 3 cm.
* Forests; 500600 m. Chongqing, Guangxi (Baise), Hunan (Shimen), Sichuan.
The type of Pteris oshimensis var. paraemeiensis is from Sichuan (Emeishan).
傅氏凤尾蕨 fu shi feng wei jue
Plants 5090 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex densely scaly; scales dark brown, brown at margin, linear-lanceolate, ca. 3 mm. Fronds clustered; stipe 3050 cm Χ 24 mm, with dark brownish scales; stipes and rachises straw-colored, glabrous, grooved on upper side; lamina ovate to ovate-triangular, 2545 Χ 1724(30) cm, 2-pinnate (or 3-pinnate at base); lateral pinnae 36(9) pairs, basal pairs opposite, 48 cm apart, decumbent, rarely slightly decumbent, basal pair sessile or shortly stalked, apical pairs sessile, basally attenuate, broadly cuneate, pectinate and forming narrow wings along costae, apically linear-caudate and acuminate (23(4.5) cm); apical pinnae same in shape and size as median lateral pinnae but wider and stalked (24 cm); basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2030 pairs, alternate or opposite, conjoined or ca. 1 mm apart (often intervals of fertile segments wider, up to 2 mm), decumbent, falcate, broadly lanceolate, usually basiscopic segment longer than acroscopic segments, basal pair or several pairs of segments shortened at base, entire, obtuse at apex; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with aciculate flat spines on both sides of groove, and few spines on costa; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked at base, basiscopic vein of segment arising from rachis, and acroscopic vein arising from base of costa, opposite veins at base oblique up to margin of incision; lamina light green to pale green, papery when dried, glabrous (rarely glabrescent when young); indusia cinereous-brown, linear, membranous, persistent.
Acidic soils of forests along valleys; sea level up to 800 m. [??add]Anhui, Fujian (Chongan, Shaowu), Guangdong, Guangxi (Douyun), Hainan (Lizhishan), S Hunan (Tongdao, Yizhang, Yongshun), Jiangxi, Taiwan, [??add]Xizang, SE Yunnan (Hekou), Zhejiang (Nanhui, Tiantaishan) [Japan, N Vietnam].
1a.. Lateral pinnae falcate-lanceolate, 1323 Χ 34 cm; median segments of pinnae 1.52.2 cm Χ 46 mm ...................................................................................................................... 51a. var. fauriei
1b.. Lateral pinnae broadly lanceolate, 1622 cm, median 46 cm wide; median segments of pinnae 23.5 cm Χ (5)68 mm ............................................................................................... 51b. var. chinensis
傅氏凤尾蕨 (原变种) fu shi feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Pteris biaurita C. Christensen (1906), non Linnaeus (1753); [??P. fauriei var. minor Hieron.]; P. guizhouensis Ching; P. linearis Poiret var. fauriei (Hieronymus) C. Christensen & Tardieu; P. longipinnula H. Christ (1906), non Wallich (1828); P. quadriaurita Hooker, Sp. Fil. 2: 179. 1852[??1858,??omit]; P. quadriaurita Franchet & Savatier (1877)[??], non Retzius (1791); [??P. quadriaurita Retz. var. abbreviata Rosenst.].
Lateral pinnae falcate-lanceolate, 1323 Χ 34 cm; median segments of pinnae 1.52.2 cm Χ 46 mm.
Acidic soils of forests along valleys; sea level up to 800 m. Fujian (Chongan, Shaowu), Guangdong, Guangxi (Douyun), Hainan (Lizhishan), S Hunan (Tongdao, Yizhang, Yongshun), Jiangxi, Taiwan, SE Yunnan (Hekou), Zhejiang (Nanhui, Tiantaishan) [Japan, N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris fauriei is from S Japan.
百越凤尾蕨 bai yue feng wei jue
Pteris bifurcata Ching; P. fauriei sensu Ching, Icon. Fil. Sin. 3: t. 140. 1935[??omit]; P. longipinnula sensu Merrill, Lingnan Sci. J. 5: 16. 1927, non Wallich (1828)[??omit].
Lateral pinnae broadly lanceolate, 1622 cm, median 46 cm wide; median segments of pinnae 23.5 cm Χ (5)68 mm.
* Forests along valleys; 300700 m. Fujian (Chongan), Guangdong (Gaoyao, Qujiang, Yunfu), Guangxi, S Guizhou (Dushan), Hainan (Chengmai, Danxian, Lingao), Taiwan.
The type of Pteris fauriei var. chinensis is from Guangdong.
线裂凤尾蕨 xian lie feng wei jue
Plants ca. 1 m tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe 4365 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, sparsely scaly; scales brown, lanceolate, ca. 2 mm, gradually deciduous; stipe apically straw-colored, or slightly dark chestnut, slightly lustrous, glabrous, grooved on upper side; lamina oblong-ovate, 3545 cm, median 1624 cm wide, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 57 pairs, opposite, slightly decumbent, basal pairs 5.57.5 cm apart; basal pair slightly shortly stalked; apical pairs sessile, broadly lanceolate, 1722 cm, median 46.5 cm wide, basally rounded-cuneate, pectinate and forming narrow wings along costae, apically caudate-acuminate (45.5 mm); pinnae asymmetrical; apical pinnae same in shape and size as lateral pinnae, but wider, and shortly stalked (515 cm); basal pairs slightly wider, with 1 or 2 pectinate branches near basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2125 pairs, opposite or alternate, decumbent, 24 mm apart, linear-lanceolate, somewhat falcate, basal segments slightly shortened; middle segment 2.54 cm Χ 45 mm, apical segment shorter and becoming narrow, obtuse, slightly expansive at base, entire; costae and midvein prominent abaxially, light straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with needlelike flat spines along groove of costae, and with a few needlelike spines along midvein; veins conspicuous on both sides, 2-forked, decumbent, oblique, basiscopic vein at segment base arising from rachis, and acroscopic vein together extending up to margin of incision; lamina cinereous-green, papery when dried, glabrous, or rarely tiny puberulent; rachises straw-colored, glabrous, sulcate adaxially; indusia cinereous-brown, linear, membranous, entire, persistent.
* Forests in valleys. SW Guangxi (Fusui, Longjin).
Pteris angustipinnula is similar to P. fauriei, but differs in having linear-lanceolate segments that are distant to each other.
江西凤尾蕨 jiang xi feng wei jue
Plants ca. 70 cm tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe light straw-colored or chestnut abaxially, shiny, ca. 40 cm Χ up to 2 mm, slightly grooved adaxially, scaly at base; scales brown with brown margins, lanceolate, ca. 1 mm, apical part glabrous; lamina oblong-ovate, ca. 30 Χ 20 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 6 or 7 pairs, opposite, oblique, 3.54.5(7) cm apart; basal pair of pinnae shortly stalked, other pairs sessile, lanceolate, 1216 Χ 22.5 cm, basally rounded-cuneate, pinnae pectinately divided deeply into narrow wings on both sides of rachis, anisomerous, apically caudate-acuminate; apical pinnae same shape and size as lateral pinnae, but symmetrical on both sides, shortly stalked (ca. 1 cm); basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 1923 pairs, alternate or subopposite, oblique, ca. 1 mm apart, linear, somewhat falcate, basal lobes shortened, median 1.31.6 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, parallel on both sides, base widened, entire, apex obtuse; costae and midvein prominent abaxially, light straw-colored, glabrous, costae slightly grooved adaxially, with spiculate spines on both sides, and a few spiculate thorns in pinna costae; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, 2-forked, oblique, lateral veins of segment base abaxially arising from rachis, other lateral vein adaxially extended at margin of incision; lamina green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; rachises same as stipes in color, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially; indusia cinereous-brown, linear, membranous, entire, persistent.
* Forests along valleys; ca. 500 m. Hunan (Lingxiang, Yongshun), SW Jiangxi (Chongyi), [??add]Zhejiang.
Pteris obtusiloba is similar to P. fauriei, but differs by lamina herbaceous, pinnae narrow, median 22.5 cm wide, with shorter segments, 1.31.6 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, linear, slightly falcate, parallel to both margins[??], apex rounded, with spiculate spines on both sides of groove adaxially.
硕大凤尾蕨 shuo da feng wei jue
Plants more than 1.3 m tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe straw-colored, ca. 80 cm, median ca. 5 mm in diam., glabrous, grooved adaxially; lamina ovate-oblong, ca. 65 cm, 3050 cm wide at base, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae ca. 7 pairs, opposite or subopposite, slightly decumbent, stalked (510 mm), apical ones sessile, broadly lanceolate, ca. 35 cm, median ca. 8 cm wide, basally broadly cuneate, pectinate and forming narrow wings on costae, apically caudate-acuminate; pinnae slightly asymmetrical; apical pinnae same shape and size as middle lateral pinnae, but zygomorphic and with stalks ca. 1 cm; basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 3035 pairs, alternate, 1.53 mm apart, decumbent, lanceolate, somewhat falcate, median ones 3.55.5 cm Χ 79 mm, basally wider, margins entire, apically obtuse; basal segments conspicuously shorter; costae and midvein prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, costae slightly grooved adaxially, with flat rigid spine on both sides, and a few very short spines; veins conspicuous on both sides, decumbent, 2-forked at base, lateral veins of segment base abaxially arising from rachis, and other lateral vein adaxially extended at margin of incision; lamina grass green, thickly papery when dried, glabrous; rachises straw-colored, slightly lustrous, glabrous, grooved adaxially; indusia cinereous-brown, linear, membranous, entire, persistent.
* Dense forests, wet valleys; ca. 2700 m. Guangdong, Sichuan (Emeishan, Yaan), SE Yunnan (Jingdong, Wuliangshan).
Pteris majestica is similar to P. fauriei, but much taller, more than 1.3 m, lateral pinnae ca. 35 Χ 8 cm, middle segments 3.55.5 cm Χ 79 mm.
柔毛凤尾蕨 rou mao feng wei jue
Plants 5075 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex densely clothed with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe brown straw-colored, rarely light straw-colored, shiny, 1740 cm Χ 23 mm, glabrous; lamina broadly ovate, 3044 Χ (14)2227 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 57 pairs, opposite, oblique or decumbent, basal pair shortly stalked, remainder sessile, broadly lanceolate, 1417 cm, middle ones 3.24.5 cm wide, basally rounded-truncate, pectinate and forming narrow wings on costae, apically acuminate, lobate or shortly caudate; apical pinnae same in shape and size as median lateral pinnae, stalk 11.5 cm; basal pair of pinnae often with a branch (sometimes rarely 2 branches) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2530 pairs, alternate or subopposite, slightly decumbent, intervals 12 mm wide, falcate, broadly linear, 22.5 cm, basally conspicuously expanded (56 mm wide), apically obtuse, entire; costae prominent abaxially, light straw-colored, slightly lustrous, sparsely cinereous strigose, with soft flat spines along grooves, and sparsely cinereous puberulent abaxially on midvein; veins conspicuous on both sides, decumbent, 2-forked at base, pair of opposite veins at segment base extending up to margin of incision; lamina light green when dried, thinly herbaceous, abaxially sparsely cinereous strigose, adaxially glabrous; rachises light straw-colored or brown straw-colored, slightly lustrous, sparsely cinereous puberulent or glabrescent.
* Forests; 25002750 m. Xizang (Neilalmu), Yunnan (Dangbi, Dayao).
The type of Pteris puberula is from Yunnan (Dangbi).
绿轴凤尾蕨 lό zhou feng wei jue
Plants ca. 70 cm tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 1.5 cm in diam., apex with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark brownish on lower parts, slightly lustrous, ca. 30 cm Χ 2 mm, slightly flat, upper part of stipes and rachises and costae blue-green, slightly lustrous, glabrous; lamina oblong-ovate, ca. 45 Χ 20 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae ca. 9 pairs, decumbent, basiscopic subopposite, shortly stalked, upper subopposite or alternate, sessile, broadly lanceolate, 1315 cm, median 45 cm wide, basally rounded-cuneate, pectinate and forming narrow wings on costae, apically acuminate and lobate; apical pinnae same in shape and size as lateral pinnae, but with stipe ca. 1 cm; basal pair of pinnae branched near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments ca. 25 pairs, alternate, slightly decumbent, contiguous or slightly separated, broadly linear and straight, 23 cm Χ 45 mm, basally slightly expanded, margins entire, apically mucronate or subobtuse; costae grooved with flat spines on both sides, and spiculate spinules on midvein; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, decumbent, 2-forked at base, pair of opposite veins at segment base extending up to margin of incision; lamina blue-green, thinly herbaceous when dried, pinnae abaxially glandular along both sides of rachis.
* Limestone soils; 6002000 m. Guizhou (Pingtang), Hunan (Shimen), Yunnan.
The type of Pteris viridissima is from Yunnan.
微毛凤尾蕨 wei mao feng wei jue
Plants 7590 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, short and thick. Fronds clustered; stipe brown at base, apical portion straw-colored, 3045 cm Χ 23 mm, with brown scales at base; lamina oblong, 4045 Χ 2025 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 48 pairs, subopposite or opposite, decumbent, sessile or basal pair stalked, stalk lanceolate, ca. 1 cm; basal pairs 2023 Χ 4.55.5 cm, basally rounded-cuneate, pinnate to costa, apically acuminate, caudate; apical pinnae and middle lateral pinnae same in shape and size, stalked (2.53.5 cm); basal pair of pinnae branched near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2430 pairs, oblique, ca. 2 mm apart, lanceolate, 23.5 cm, basally enlarged (67 mm wide), entire, apically attenuate, acuminate; basiscopic segments slightly longer than acroscopic segments; costae prominent abaxially, pale brown-stramineous, sometimes mauve, with flat short spines on both sides of groove, and 35 thin spines on midvein; costae, midvein, and abaxial surface of segments sparsely strigose; rachises straw-colored, glabrous; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked from base, and opposite veins at segment base oblique up to margin of incision; lamina brown-green, herbaceous when dried.
* Forests; ca. 1400 m. Sichuan (Mianning).
勐海凤尾蕨 meng hai feng wei jue
Pteris monghaiensis Ching; P. subquinata (Wallich ex J. Agardh) Beddome, Handb. Suppl. 23. 1892[??genus].
Plants 8090 cm tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe straw-colored, 5060 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, glabrous, grooved adaxially; lamina triangular-ovate, ca. 30 Χ 20 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (basal pinnae 3-pinnatipartite); lateral pinnae 3 pairs, opposite, decumbent, sessile, lanceolate, 1517 cm, middle ones ca. 3.5 cm wide, basally rounded-cuneate, pectinately pinnate, apically acuminate and lobate; apical pinnae same in shape and size to median lateral pinnae, stalked (ca. 1 cm); basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 3035 pairs, alternate or subopposite, spreading, 23 mm apart, linear and nearly straight, 1.52 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, basally enlarged, entire, apically obtuse; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with soft flat spines along grooves; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, thick and dense, 2-forked at base, acroscopic vein on segment base, and basiscopic vein arising from rachis, and opposite veins at base oblique up to margin of incision; lamina cinereous-brown, subleathery when dried, glabrous.
* Forests along valleys; ca. 1000 m. S Yunnan (Menghai, Xishuangbanna).
栗轴凤尾蕨 li zhou feng wei jue
Pteris wangiana Ching.
Plants 5070 cm tall. Rhizome long-ascending, ca. 1 cm in diam., woody, apex with light brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe basal part castaneous-brown, upper part and rachis castaneous-red, shiny, 3040 cm Χ ca. 2 mm, glabrous; lamina broadly ovate to oblong, 3035 Χ 1520 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite); lateral pinnae 5- or 6-pinnate, opposite, decumbent; basal pair shortly stalked, remainder sessile, lanceolate, 1015 Χ 23 cm, apically long acuminate; segments rounded-cuneate at base, pectinate nearly to costae, apically acute; apical pinnae same as median lateral pinnae, but with stipes ca. 1 cm; basal pair of pinnae often with a branch (rarely 2 branches) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinnae but smaller pectinate; segments 2025 pairs, alternate, approximate, slightly decumbent, narrowly oblong, 11.5 cm Χ 34 mm, basally enlarged, basiscopical side slightly decurrent, near next lower pair, entire, apically obtuse; costae abaxially light straw-colored, sometimes chestnut abaxially, shiny, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, with aciculate spines on both sides of groove; veins conspicuous, sparse, oblique, basal part forked but simple upward; lamina grass green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Shaded forests; 13001600 m. Hainan (Wuzhishan), Hunan (Yizhang), Taiwan, Yunnan [S Vietnam].
The type of Pteris bella is from SE Yunnan.
线羽凤尾蕨 xian yu feng wei jue
[??Pteris arisanensis Tagawa]; Pteris biaurita Linnaeus var. intermittens C. Christensen.
Plants 11.5 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, 1.52 cm in diam., apex with black-brown scales. Fronds clustered (68 per plant); stipes brown at base, apically straw-colored, slightly lustrous, as long as fronds, 34 mm in diam., glabrous; lamina oblong-ovate, 5070 Χ 2030 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 515 pairs, opposite, slightly decumbent, sessile or basal pairs shortly stalked, lanceolate, 1525(33) Χ 34(5.5) cm, basally rounded-cuneate and slightly oblique, deeply pinnatifid-pectinate reaching both sides of rachis and forming wings, apically long caudate; apical pinnae like middle lateral pinnae in shape and size; basal pair of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinnae but smaller; segments 2535 pairs, alternate, nearly spreading or oblique, falcate-oblong, 23 cm Χ 58 mm, basally slightly enlarged, margins entire, apically obtuse or mucronate; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with spines and wings 610 mm wide on both sides of groove; veins conspicuous and convex on both sides, decumbent, 2-forked at base, basiscopic vein of segment base arising from rachis, and acroscopic vein from base of costa, 2 opposite veins of pinnae base arriving at margin of incision and forming a fork or triangle, or sometimes interlinked into a continuous triangular mesh, and other veins outward from mesh separate and extending to base of incision; lamina green, yellowish green, or brown-green, subleathery when dried, glabrous.
Dense forests, wet areas near stream margins; 1001800 m. Guangdong, Guangxi, SW Guizhou (Ceheng), Hainan, Sichuan (Dechang, Yanbian), Taiwan, C, S, and W Yunnan [widely distributed in tropical Africa (including Madagascar) and Asia].
The type of Pteris linearis is from E India.
三轴凤尾蕨 san zhou feng wei jue
Hypolepis pteridioides Hooker; Pteris pellucens J. Agardh; P. brevisora Baker; P. zollingeri Mettenius ex Miquel.
Plants 1.21.5 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, 1.52 cm in diam., woody, apex with dark brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark straw-colored to light brown-brown, slightly lustrous, 7080 cm Χ 68 mm, firm, glabrous; lamina triangular-ovate, 6070 Χ 3545 cm, 3-pinnatipartite; lateral pinnae 1220 pairs, subopposite or alternate, oblique, sessile, lanceolate, 1012 Χ 1.52 cm, basally truncate, pectinate nearly to costules, apically caudate (23 cm), with linear lobes; apical pinnule same as middle lateral ones, stalked (ca. 1 cm); segments 2528 pairs, alternate, interlinked and slightly decumbent, oblong, ca. 1 cm Χ 34 mm, basally slightly enlarged, apically obtuse and crenate; costules prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, with aciculate spines on both sides; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, 2-forked at base, and opposite two veins oblique up to margin of incision; lamina pale green to green-brown, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Forests; 6002400 m. W Guangxi (Tianlin), Hunan (Tongdao), Taiwan (Gaoxong), Yunnan (Jingdong, Malipo, Simao) [widely distributed in India, Indochina[list countries] to S Himalayas, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka].
The type of Pteris longipes is from Nepal.
莱阳河凤尾蕨 lai yang he feng wei jue
Plants ca. 50 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, short, ca. 5 mm in diam., apex with yellow-brownish scales. Fronds monomorphic, clustered; stipes 2 Χ as long as lamina, 12 mm in diam., mauve as rachis and margin of frond, and with yellow-brownish scales at base, glabrous, ± rough; lamina ovate-triangular, 1520 Χ 1015 cm, 2-pinnatipartite, 3-forked; apical pinnae broadly lanceolate, basally broadly cuneate, stalked (12 cm), pectinate nearly to costae, apically tapering; segments 225 pairs, opposite or nearly opposite, contiguous, nearly spreading, somewhat falcate, 23 cm Χ ca. 5 mm, entire or sometimes slightly undulate, apices mucronate or obtuse, and with a protuberance; lateral pinnae in one pair, pinnate, 2-forked, with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch same in shape as apical pinna; costae prominent abaxially, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with spine 23 mm at intersecting point of segments and costa; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, 2-forked at base of segments, lateral veins of segment base arising from rachis; lamina green, mauve at margins, subherbaceous when dried, glabrous; indusia flavescent.
Pteris caiyangheensis is similar to P. aspericaulis var. aspericaulis, but differs in having lamina ovate-triangular, 2-pinnatipartite, 3-forked; stipe 2 Χ as long as lamina; indusia flavescent.
* Evergreen broad-leaved forests, monsoon forests; 8001000 m. Yunnan (Simao).
[??vernacular name]
Campteria Presl, Tent. Pterid. 146. 1836.
Plants often large. Fronds monomorphic, division patterns and lobe shape same as second section, but often divided and 3-divaricate (lateral ones usually again divided into 2 forks); lobes without cartilaginous margin, but serrate; costae spiny along both sides of groove on adaxial side; venation anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, veinlet free outward areolae and extending to margins. Sori linear, extending continuously along lobe margins, often sterile at apex; indusia brown or light brown, linear, membranous, entire, persistent.
Distributed mainly in the tropics; nine species in China.
狭眼凤尾蕨 xia yan feng wei jue
Campteris biaurita [??(Linnaeus)] Hooker; Pteris flavicaulis Hayata.
Plants 70110 cm tall. Rhizome erect, robust, 22.5 cm in diam., woody, apex densely clothed with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe light brown, apically stramineous to light green, slightly lustrous, 4060 cm Χ 35 mm, glabrous, scaly, rarely with few scales, narrowly grooved adaxially; lamina oblong-ovate, 4055 Χ 2030 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 810 pairs, decumbent, opposite, lower ones shortly stalked, 35 cm apart; upper ones sessile, broadly lanceolate, 1520 Χ 35.5 cm, basally broadly cuneate, pectinate on both sides of costa and forming broad wings (to 8 mm), apically narrowly lanceolate and caudate (23 cm); shape, size, and division extent of apical pinnae same as those of middle lateral pinnae, stalked (ca 1.5 cm); basal pair of pinnae often with a branch (sometimes 2 branches) near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 2025 pairs, alternate, nearly spreading, incised obtuse-rounded, 25 mm apart, falcate, broadly lanceolate to falcate-oblong, 1.83.5 cm Χ 57 mm, basally slightly enlarged, margins entire, apically slightly narrow and obtuse; costae prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, with short spines on both sides; veins slightly raised, conspicuous on both surfaces, acroscopic veinlet of lobe base and a basiscopic veinlet of upper lobe base combining and forming an arcuate vein, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, with 5 or 6 free veinlets extending to margin at arcuate vein, and a majority of veinlets outward from areole usually 2-forked; lamina cinereous-green, thickly papery when dried, glabrous; rachises straw-colored, glabrous, narrowly grooved adaxially; indusia light brown, membranous, entire, persistent.
Dry sloping fields; 2001500 m. Guangdong, Guangxi (Baise), Hainan, Taiwan (Alishan, Gaoxiong), Yunnan [India, Indochina[??countries], Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka; S Africa (and Madagascar), Americas (tropical Brazil, West Indies (Jamaica)), Oceania].
两广凤尾蕨 liang guang feng wei jue
Pteris biaurita Wu, Wong & Pong (1932), non Linnaeus (1753); P. nakasimae Tagawa.
Plants 8090 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, ca. 1 cm in diam., apex densely clothed with brown scales. Fronds subclustered; stipe dark chestnut, apically light chestnut, shiny, 4050 cm Χ 34 mm, glabrous, scaly, narrowly grooved adaxially; lamina broadly ovate, 4045 Χ 2530 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 57 pairs decumbent, opposite, 710 cm apart, shortly stalked with a narrow wing, or sessile apically, broadly lanceolate, 1520(32) Χ 46(8) cm, basally cuneate, pectinately divided, apically lobate or long caudate (27 cm); apical pinnae same in shape and size as median lateral pinnae, basal ones with 13 pairs of pinnae often with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 1420 pairs, alternate or subopposite, sinuses obtuse, 48 mm wide, slightly oblique, falcate-lanceolate, 26.5 cm Χ 69 mm, attenuate at base, margins serrate or crenate, enlarged at base, entire[??contradictory base and margin character states], apices acuminate or obtuse; costae prominent abaxially, abaxially light brown, upper 1/3 part straw-colored, straw-colored and slightly grooved adaxially, with aciculate spines, winged, wing 56 mm wide on both sides of rachis; veins anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, width of areole equal to 1/32/3 of wing width, acroscopic arcuate veinlet of areole arising from rachis of segment below base of costa, veinlets outward from areole free, and veinlet of segment 2-forked besides 2 or 3 apex pairs; lamina brown-green, thinly herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Dense wet forests; 600700 m. Fujian (Jianou), S Hunan (Jianghua, Jiangyong, Tongdao), S Jiangxi, Guangdong (Lechang, Meixian, Yingde), Guangxi (Xingde, Xiangxian, Yaoshan), [??add]Zhejiang [S Japan, N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris maclurei is from Guangdong (Meixian).
岭南凤尾蕨 ling nan feng wei jue
Plants ca. 75 cm tall. Rhizome ascending, apex densely clothed with dark brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark chestnut at base, upward light coetaneous, shiny, ca. 30 cm Χ 2 mm, narrowly grooved adaxially; lamina ovate, ca. 45 Χ 25 cm, 2-pinnatipartite (3-pinnatipartite at base); lateral pinnae 79 pairs, subopposite, decumbent, base slightly attenuate-cuneate, deeply pinnatifid-pectinate and forming narrow wings (ca. 3 mm wide) on both sides of rachis, apex acutely lanceolate caudate (35 cm); apical pinnae same as middle lateral pinnae in shape and size, but cuneate and decurrent at base; basal pinnae pair largest, shortly stalked and with a branch near base on basiscopic side, branch similar in shape to main part of pinna but smaller; segments 1518 pairs, alternate, oblique, narrowly lanceolate, margin not densely serrate, interval equal to width of segment; costae prominent abaxially, below middle part maroon, upper 1/3 part straw-colored, straw-colored and slightly grooved adaxially; veins anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, width of areole equal to 1/2 wing width to almost same, occasionally incised, veinlet in segment 2-forked; lamina brown-green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous.
Guangdong (Shixing), Guangxi [N Vietnam].
1a.. Pinnae oblique, median segments 1.32.5 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, apices obtuse or acuminate .... 65a. var. maclurioides
1b.. Pinnae extremely oblique, median segments 3.54.5 cm Χ 56 mm, apices tapering 65b. var. tonkinensis
岭南凤尾蕨 (原变种) ling nan feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Plants ca. 75 cm tall. Basal pinnae 1418 Χ 3.54 cm; middle pinnae 1.32.5 cm, above base ca. 4 mm wide, enlarged at base, upward attenuate, acuminate or obtuse.
* Open forests; ca. 400 m. Guangdong (Shixing).
Pteris maclurioides var. maclurioides is closely related to P. maclurei in modality, but differs from the former because it is smaller and pinnae 1418 Χ 3.54 cm, segments 1.32 cm Χ ca. 4 mm, apart from 35 mm wide, wing ca. 3 mm wide at two sides of rachis, areole equal to 1/2 wing width to almost same.
中越凤尾蕨 zhong yue feng wei jue
Plants ca. 60 cm tall. Pinnae extremely oblique, basal pairs to 30 cm, ca. 9 cm wide at middle part; pinnule 3.54.5 cm, 56 mm wide above base, apices acuminate.
Guangxi [N Vietnam].
西南凤尾蕨 xi nan feng wei jue
Rhizome erect, short, thick, 1.52 cm in diam., woody, apex with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe 6080 cm, slightly extended at base, 12 cm in diam., firm, scabrous, broadly grooved adaxially; lamina broadly ovate-pentagonal, 7085 cm, ca. 60 cm wide at base, usually 3-pinnatipartite, lateral branches usually again divided, smaller; central branch a long column, 5070 Χ 2025 cm, stalked (710 cm), thicker; pinnules more than 20 pairs, alternate, oblique or decumbent, apical ones sessile, basal ones shortly stalked, 34 cm apart, lanceolate, 1115(20) Χ 22.5(3.5) cm, basally subtruncate to broadly cuneate, deeply pectinate and forming narrow wings on both sides of costule, apically linear-caudate (12 cm), margins flat serrate; pinnules at base slightly shortened; apical pinnules same in shape and size as lateral pinnae, base cuneate with short stalk; segments 2330 pairs, alternate, contiguous or acutely incised, 12 mm apart, oblique, oblong or broadly lanceolate, 1013(18) Χ 3.54.5 mm, margins obtusely flat serrate; costules prominent abaxially, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, with short spines; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, oblique, acroscopic vein of segment base linked with basiscopic vein of other segment into an arcuate vein, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, and with several free simple veinlets arriving at incision in outer edge of arcuate vein, apical 2 or 3-pairs simple, other 2-forked at base, decumbent; lamina pale green or cinereous-green, firmly herbaceous when dried, subglabrous; glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially.
Chongqing, Guangdong (Xinyi), Guangxi (Huaping), Guizhou (Qingzhen), Hainan (Yaxian), Hunan, Jiangxi (Wugongshan), Sichuan, Taiwan, Xizang (Cuona), Yunnan [Bhutan, India, Indochina[??countries], Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines].
1a. Petioles and rachis with purple-brownish bristles ................................... 66b. var. yunnanensis
1b. Petioles and base of rachis glabrous (sometimes petioles slightly hairy ).
2a. Segments acuminate ........................................................................ 66a. var. wallichiana
2b. Segments obtuse ..................................................................................... 66c. var. obtusa
西南凤尾蕨 (原变种) xi nan feng wei jue (yuan bian zhong)
Campteris wallichiana T. Moore; Litobrochia wallichiana Fιe (1850), [not C. Presl (1836)]; Pteris morrisonicola Hayata.
Plants ca. 1.5 m tall; stipes castaneous-reddish, costa and costules straw-colored; segment apices acuminate ([??but sometimes obtuse or acute]); segments 3.54.5 mm wide.
Forests within valleys; 8002600 m. Chongqing, Guangdong (Xinyi), Hainan (Yaxian), Guangxi (Huaping), Guizhou (Qingzhen), Hunan, Sichuan (Emeishan, Hongxi, Hanyuan), Taiwan, Xizang (Cuona), Yunnan (Jingdong, Yangbi, Yingjiang) [Bhutan, India, Indochina[??countries], Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines].
The type of Pteris wallichiana is from NW India (Kumaon).
云南凤尾蕨 yun nan feng wei jue
Pteris yunnanensis H. Christ, Bull. Herb. Boissier 6: 957. 1898; P. tomentella Handel-Mazzetti.
Plants up to 2 m tall. Stipes and rachises with dense purple-brown multicellular hispid hairs; costules abaxially slightly purple-brown and with multicellular hispid hairs.
* Mountain forests, along valleys; 5002300 m. S and W Yunnan.
圆头凤尾蕨 yuan tou feng wei jue
Plants ca. 1 m tall. Stipes castaneous-reddish, slightly scabrous; segments obtuse, 1.51.8 cm wide.
* Forests. Jiangxi (Wugongshan), Sichuan (Emeishan), S Yunnan.
The type of Pteris wallichiana var. obtusa is from Jiangxi.
华南凤尾蕨 hua nan feng wei jue
Pteris wallichiana J. Agardh var. austrosinica Ching, Bull. Dept. Biol. Sun Yatsen Univ. 6. 27. 1933.
Plants ca. 1.5 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, thick, ca. 2 cm in diam., woody, apex with brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe light castaneous, up to 1 m, ca. 1.5 cm in diam., firm, glabrous, broadly grooved adaxially; lamina pentagonal-broadly ovate, 80100 Χ ca. 70 cm, usually 3-pinnatipartite, central branch a long ovate column, 6070 cm, middle ones ca. 25 cm wide, stalked (810 cm), lateral branches smaller, usually again divided; lateral pinnules 1420 pairs, alternate, decumbent, sessile or slightly shortly stalked, basal several pairs ca. 1.5 cm apart, middle pinnules lanceolate, 1520 cm, and basal slightly shortened, 34 cm wide, basally broadly cuneate, subsymmetrical, deeply pectinately divided and forming two broad wings on both sides of costule, apically shortly linear-caudate; apical pinnules same in shape and size as median lateral pinnules, stalked (ca. 1 cm); segments 1725 pairs, alternate, sinuses obtuse-acute, slightly decumbent, 35 mm apart, falcate-lanceolate, 22.5 cm, ca. 3 mm wide at base, basally enlarged, apically shortly acuminate, sterile apex obtusely dentate; costules straw-colored, glabrous, with short spines on both sides of groove adaxially; veins conspicuous, oblique, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, several simple veinlets reaching incision in outer edge of arcuate vein, and veinlet free outward from areole, and basal veinlet of segment 2-forked at base; lamina brown-green, papery when dried, below with brown slender multicellular hairs; costae light chestnut or reddish brown, sometimes brown straw-colored, with sparse reddish brown multicellular hairs, narrowly grooved adaxially.
* Dense forests within wet valleys; 4001000 m. Guangdong, Guangxi, [??add]Jiangxi.
The type of Pteris austro-sinica is from Guangxi (Yaoshan).
华西凤尾蕨 hua xi feng wei jue
Plants to 2 m tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe dark brown at base, ca. 5 mm in diam.; lamina usually 3-pinnatipartite from apex of stipe; pinnae oblong-lanceolate, ca. 80 cm, middle ones ca. 40 cm; pinnules more than 20 pairs, alternate or subopposite, oblique, contiguous with each other; middle ones longest, lanceolate, 2025 cm, ca. 4.5 cm wide at base, basally broadly cuneate, apically long acuminate (ca. 2 mm); basal part 22.5 cm Χ ca. 5 mm, obtuse or obtuse-acute, flat serrate at apex; costae straw-colored, slightly brown; costules abaxially straw-colored, with short spines along both sides of groove adaxially; veins conspicuous on both surfaces, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules; lamina pale green when dried, thinly papery, subglabrous.
* Forests; ca. 2400 m. S Sichuan (Laibo).
台湾凤尾蕨 tai wan feng wei jue
Plants ca. 2 m tall. Rhizome not seen. Stipe light straw-colored, glabrous, adaxially sulcate; lamina broadly ovate, 80100 Χ 6070 cm, 3-pinnatipartite; segments of central branch oblong, up to 1 m Χ 3035 cm, lateral branches 2, shorter than central one; pinnules more than 20 pairs, opposite or subopposite, stipitate, apically sessile, lanceolate, 2030 Χ 57 cm, basally broadly cuneate, pectinate and forming two narrow wings on both sides of costule, apically long acuminate, serrulate; base of pinnules with several pairs of free segments; segments 3035 pairs, alternate, nearly spreading, 58 mm apart, linear, 2.53.5 cm Χ ca. 3 mm, basally slightly enlarged, flat serrate, apically acuminate; costules abaxially convex, straw-colored, sparsely multicellular brown strigose or glabrous, flat grooved adaxially, with short spines on both sides. Veinlets conspicuous abaxially, flared, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules; lamina brown-green, herbaceous when dried, brown multicellular strigose on both surfaces; rachises straw-colored, grooved adaxially.
* About 800 m. Taiwan (Wulai).
疏裂凤尾蕨 shu lie feng wei jue
Pteris finotii var. obtusa Tagawa.
Plants to 2.5 m tall. Rhizome erect, short and thick, ca. 2 cm in diam., apex with bright brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark straw-colored to dark brown, ca. 1 m Χ 712 mm, glabrous; lamina ovate-triangular, ca. 1 m long or more Χ ca. 60 cm, 3-pinnatipartite from apex of stipes, central branch a long ovate column, ca. 80 cm or more Χ 3540 cm, stalk 610 cm; two lateral branches smaller than central branch; apical pinnules triangular, 2025 Χ 1518 cm, basally rounded-cuneate, along costule narrowly cuneate, stalked (1.52 cm), pectinate and forming broad wings on both sides of costule, margins flat, obtusely serrate, apically linear-lanceolate (45 cm); lateral pinnules 68 pairs, opposite or subalternate, oblique, stalked (ca. 1 cm), apical ones sessile, broadly lanceolate, 2027 Χ 610 cm, basally rounded-truncate, apically caudate (48 cm); segments 1320 pairs, alternate or basal pairs subopposite, linear-lanceolate, 2.57 cm Χ 47 mm, basally slightly enlarged, sterile margins slightly serrate, apically obtuse or acuminate; sterile pinnules with wider segments; lamina cinereous-green, herbaceous when dried, glabrous; costules prominent abaxially, straw-colored, glabrous, grooved adaxially, with inconspicuous spines or without spines; veinlets slender, conspicuous only abaxially, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules and midvein, areoles along costules long and narrow, areoles along midvein anomalous[??] polygonal, veins of segments free; rachises straw-colored, glabrous.
Forests, by small streams; 100500 m. Guangdong, Hainan, S Yunnan (Hekou, Xishuangbanna) [N Vietnam].
The type of Pteris finotii is from N Vietnam.
三叉凤尾蕨 san cha feng wei jue
Litobrochia marginata (Bory) C. Presl; L. tripartita (Swartz) C. Presl; Pteris marginata Bory; P. tripartita Swartz.
Plants more than 2 m tall. Rhizome erect, short, ca. 2 cm in diam., apex with cinereous-brown scales. Fronds clustered; stipe dark brown or straw-colored, 11.5 m Χ ca. 1 cm, glabrous; lamina broadly ovate, 80100 cm, ca. 70 cm wide at base, 3-pinnate to 4-pinnatipartite, central branch oblong-terete, 80100 Χ 2530 cm, stalked (1012 cm), lateral branches smaller than central one, and basal ones usually again divided into 2 or 3 forks; pinnules 2030 pairs, alternate or subopposite, oblique, shortly stalked, apical ones sessile; pinnules at base and apex slightly shorter, middle ones lanceolate, 1521 Χ 45 cm, basally rounded-truncate, pectinate and forming two broad wings of costule, apically acute and lanceolate-caudate (34 cm); apical pinnules same as middle lateral pinnae in shape, size, but with stalks; segments 1425 pairs, alternate, slightly oblique, 25 mm apart, falcate-lanceolate, 13 cm Χ 46 mm, basally slightly enlarged, sterile margins serrate, apically mucronate or obtuse; lamina brown-green, thinly papery when dried, glabrescent; costules abaxially convex, straw-colored, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, with short spines on both sides; veinlets slender, conspicuous only abaxially, an acroscopic vein of segment with a basiscopic vein of upper segment to form an arcuate vein, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, from arcuate vein forming several single veinlets outside, anastomosing to form a series of narrow areoles along costules, areoles anomalous[??] polygonal.
Guangdong, Guangxi (Baise, Napo), Hainan (Lingshui), Hunan (Shimen), Taiwan [India, Indochina[??countries], Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka; Africa including Madagascar, Australia, Polynesia, South America (Brazil)].
Hainan and Taiwan are the northernmost limits for the distribution of this pantropical species.
栗蕨属 li jue shu
Pteris sect. Histiopteris J. Agardh, Recens. Sp. Gen. Pterid. 76. 1839.
Plants terrestrial, climbing. Rhizome thick and long-creeping, vascular system a corrugate solenostele, densely clothed with lanceolate, thick, castaneous-brown scales. Fronds sparse, large, indeterminate; stipe castaneous-reddish, shiny, long, terete, glabrous; costae same as stipes in color, slightly grooved adaxially; lamina triangular, 2- or 3-pinnate; pinnae opposite, often sessile; pinnules at base a pair, auricle-like; pinnules opposite; venation reticulate, without included veinlets; lamina papery to subleathery, glabrous, basally usually pallid. Sori along margin of lamina, with collecting vein near margin, protected by a narrow linear false indusium formed by a membranous margin, paraphyses present, without velum; indusia with long stalks and annulus composed of 18 thick wall cells; spores dihedral, oblong to reniform, hyaline, with prominent wart. x = 12.
About seven species: widely distributed in pantropical regions, southward to the Cape of Good Hope of Africa, Australia (Tasmania), and islands near Antarctica; sometimes those species had been united into one species; one species in China.
Histiopteris is morphologically similar to Pteris, but differs in having rhizome long-creeping, with bristlelike scales, castaneous-brown; apex of lamina proliferous; pinnae and pinnules opposite, and base of pinnae with a pair of degenerative, auricle-like pinnules, all veins anastomosing, and forming a row of narrow areoles on both sides of costule; spores dihedral, hyaline.
栗蕨 li jue
Pteris incisa Thunberg, Prodr. Fl. Cap. 171. 1880; Histiopteris aurita J. Smith, Hist. Fil. 297. 1875 [??use this]; Litobrochia aurita Hooker [??J. Smith]; L. incisa (Thunberg) C. Presl; Pellaea fauriei H. Christ; Pteris aurita Blume, Enum. Pl. Javae 2: 213. 1828 [??earliest].
Plants ca. 2 m tall. Rhizome long-creeping, robust, to 5 mm in diam., densely scaly; scales thick, shiny, lanceolate, castaneous-brown, often twisted at apex; lamina large, sparse[??]; stipe castaneous-reddish, shiny, ca. 1 m Χ up to 5 mm, terete, basally tuberculate and ± rough, apically glabrous; lamina triangular or oblong-triangular, 50100 cm, 2- or 3-pinnate; pinnae opposite, spreading or oblique, or above sicklelike inclined upside[??], sessile, lowest pinnules much smaller than next pair, seated like stipules at very base of pinnae; basal pinnae narrowly triangular, often 2545 Χ 1330 cm, basally truncate, 1-pinnate or 2-pinnatipartite, apically acute; pinnules numerous, opposite, spreading, sessile, basal 13 pairs larger, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 1015 Χ 34 cm, basally rounded-truncate to broadly cuneate, 1-pinnate or pinnatifid at costule, apically long caudate (2.54 cm); segments 69 pairs, opposite, spreading or slightly decumbent, second pair often larger, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, 1.54 cm Χ 58 mm, obtuse or shortly acuminate, segment base usually connnate with costule, incision equal to segment width, or slightly wider, entire or pinnatifid up to 1/2, margin undulate, or undulate rounded-serrate; lamina abaxially cinereous-green or light cinereous, adaxially brown-green, herbaceous or papery when dried, glabrous; veins reticulate, with regular rows of costal and costular areoles, remaining areoles smaller, conspicuous on both surfaces; rachises and costules shiny, glabrous, slightly grooved adaxially, often changing from reddish brown to brown-straw-colored to straw-colored.
Forests; 5001900 m. [??add]Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan (Baisha, Diaoluoshan), Hunan (Tongdao, Yizhang), Jiangxi (Jinggangshan), Taiwan, Xizang (Chayu, Motuo), Yunnan, [??add]Zhejiang [S Japan; pantropical areas, islands near Antarctica, Madagascar].
The type of Histiopteris incisa is from the Cape of Good Hope, Africa.