Alansmia, a new genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) segregated from Terpsichore

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2011
Authors:Kessler, Moguel, Sundue, Labiak
Journal:Brittonia
Abstract:

Abstract. Alansmia, a new genus of grammitid ferns is described and combinations
are made for the 26 species known to belong to it. Alansmia is supported by five
morphological synapomorphies: setae present on the rhizomes, cells of the rhizome
scales turgid, both surfaces of the rhizome scales ciliate, laminae membranaceous, and
sporangial capsules setose. Other diagnostic characters include pendent fronds with
indeterminate growth, concolorous, orange to castaneous rhizome scales with ciliate
or sometimes glandular margins, hydathodes often cretaceous, and setae simple,
paired or stellate. The group also exhibits the uncommon characteristic of producing
both trilete and apparently monolete spores, sometimes on the same plant. New
combinations are made for Alansmia alfaroi, A. bradeana, A. canescens, A. concinna,
A. contacta, A. cultrata, A. dependens, A. diaphana, A. elastica, A. glandulifera, A.
heteromorpha, A. immixta, A. kirkii, A. lanigera, A. laxa, A. longa, A. monosora, A.
reclinata, A. semilunaris, A. senilis, A. smithii, A. spathulata, A. stella var. stella,
A. stella var. flava, A. turrialbae, A. variabilis, A. xanthotrichia. Lectotypifications
are made for Alansmia concina, A. variabilis, Polypodium ciliare, P. flexile, and
P. ovalescens. The genus is named in honor of pteridologist Alan R. Smith.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith