Cyathea rojasiana explained

Cyathea rojasiana is a species of tree fern endemic to Panama.^[1]

Description

It can grow 2 m tall.^[2] Seemingly dead, senescent fronds can root once they touch the ground.^[3]

Taxonomy

Publication

It was first described as Cyathea panamensis A.Rojas by Alexander Francisco Rojas Alvarado in 2001. However, this was a Nomen illegitimum. Therefore, it was later published as Cyathea rojasiana Lehnert by Marcus Lehnert in 2011.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

It occurs in the tropical montane forest of Panama.

Notes and References

1. 77114670-1 . Cyathea rojasiana Lehnert . 9 February 2024.
2. Back from the dead: Tropical tree fern repurposes its dead leaves. (2024, January 24). ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240129122507.htm
3. Incorvaia, D. (2024, February 7). This weird fern is the first known plant that turns its dead leaves into new roots. Science News. Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/fern-first-plant-dead-leaves-new-roots
4. Dalling, J. W., Garcia, E., Espinosa, C., Pizano, C., Ferrer, A., & Lira Viana, J. (2024). Zombie leaves: Novel repurposing of senescent fronds in the tree fern Cyathea rojasiana in a tropical montane forest. Ecology, e4248.