Asplenium ×curtissii

Roots proliferous. Stems erect, unbranched; scales blackish throughout, narrowly deltate, 1 × 0.2 mm, margins entire. Leaves monomorphic. Petiole brownish black, 3–10 (–15) cm, 1/3–2/5 length of blade; indument of blackish, narrowly lanceolate scales at base. Blade oblong-lanceolate, 2-pinnate, 10–30 × (1.5–) 5–10 cm, thin, glabrous; base not or only slightly tapered; apex gradually narrowing, not rooting. Rachis blackish to green, dull, nearly glabrous. Pinnae in (7–) 14–22 pairs, oblong; medial pinnae 1–6 × 0.5–1.5 cm; base truncate; apex pointed. Pinnules linear to fan-shaped to unequally pinnate, 3–9 × 1–7 mm, mostly notched apically. Veins free, evident. Sori 1–4 per segment, usually more on acroscopic side. Spores abortive. 2n = 108.

Habitat: Shaded damp limestone rocks
Elevation: 0–50 m

Fla.

Discussion

Asplenium × curtissii, sterile and with irregular meiosis, is the product of hybridization between A. abscissum and A. verecundum and occurs with them in central Florida, sometimes forming large colonies by root proliferation. It can readily be separated from A. abscissum by its pinnate blades. From A. verecundum it can be distinguished by its relatively long petioles and less divided blades. Asplenium × curtissi is known only from several localities in north central Florida. It makes a showy conservatory plant.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa