Alsophila esmeraldensis explained

Alsophila esmeraldensis is a species of tree fern which is endemic to Ecuador. It grows in coastal forest and forested slopes of the Andes.[1]

Description

The erect, slender trunk is about 80 cm tall and approximately 3 cm in diameter. Fronds may be either simply pinnate or bipinnate basally. They are erect or spreading and up to 2.5 m long. The rachis ranges in colour from dark brown to blackish and bears a few scales. The scales are linear, bicoloured (whitish with a central brown region) and with edges and apexes with dark setae. Sori are covered by cup-like indusia. Alsophila esmeraldensis forms part of the group centered on Alsophila minor.

Notes and References

  1. Navarrete, H. & Pitman, N. 2003. Alsophila esmeraldensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. Downloaded on 31 August 2015.