Dennstaedtiaceae - Bracken and ground ferns

Photo: BT. Wursten
Zimbabwe

 

Description of the family

Large terrestrial ferns. Rhizomes subterranean, short erect or creeping, with reddish hairs. Fronds monomorphic, large with long stipes, 3-4-pinnate. Veins free or rarely anastomosing, without included veinlets, mostly ending near or in the margin. Indumentum variable. Sori circular or elongate, confined to the sinuses, marginal, sub-marginal or superficial near the margin. Exindusiate or indusium cup-shaped, a modified lobe margin, a reflexed margin or a well developed outer marginal and partially developed inner indusium, composed of groups of closely spaced acicular hairs.

Worldwide: 11 genera and c. 170 species, cosmopolitan

 

Genera

  • Blotiella R.M. Tryon
  • Histiopteris (J. Agardh) J. Sm.
  • Hypolepis Bernh.
  • Microlepia C. Presl
  • Pteridium Gled. ex Scop.
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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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