Lindsaeaceae - Screw ferns

 

Description of the family

Terrestrial or epiphytic ferns. Rhizome short creeping, often with hair-like scales. Stipe not articulate, with 2 C-shaped vascular bundles back to back. Fronds numerous, monomorphic, pinnate to 2-pinnate. Stipe and rhachis adaxially with a longitudinal groove. Lamina surfaces glabrous or with hairs similar to those occuring on the rhizome; venation free or anastomosing, without included veinlets. Sori marginal or submarginal, linear or oblong, indusium opening towards the margin, homosporous.

Worldwide: 8 genera, c. 200 species, pantropical distribution.

 

Genera

  • Lindsaea Dryand. ex Sm.
  • Lonchitis L.
  • Odontosoria (C. Presl.) Fée
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    Literature

  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M.2011Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature.
  • Jacobsen, W.B.G.1983The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria.
  • Roux, J.P.2001Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report, 13: 1-222.
  • Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E.1970Pteridophyta. Flora Zambesiaca, 0: 1-254.

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