Physematium neomexicanum explained

Physematium neomexicanum, the New Mexican cliff fern, is a fern species native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Distribution

The core of its range is in Coahuila, Nuevo León, Zacatecas, New Mexico, southeastern Utah, Arizona, western Texas and southern Colorado, with isolated populations reported from Oklahoma and South Dakota. The plant usually grows in cracks in the sides of cliffs, on top of rocks, etc.[1] [2] [3]

Description

Physematium neomexicanum has stems that are largely obscured by the persistent bases of scales and dead leaf bases. Leaves are up to 30 cm long, pinnate with pinnatifid pinnules (leaflets) with scattered hairs.[1]

The indusia have narrow, thread-like segments. Spores average about 50 μm in diameter.[1] [4] [5]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233501347 Flora of North America vol 2
  2. Mickel, J. T. & A. R. Smith. 2004. The Pteridophytes of Mexico. Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden 88: 1–1054.
  3. http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Woodsia%20neomexicana.png BONAP, Biota of North America Project, Floristic Synthesis map
  4. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/12874454#page/60/mode/1up Windham, Michael D. 1993. Contributions from the University of Michigan Herbarium 19: 52, f. 6.
  5. http://www.tropicos.org/ImageFullView.aspx?imageid=15200 photo of isotype of Physematium neomexicanum at Missouri Botanical Garden