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Puerto Rico alsophila
Scientific Name: Alsophila portoricensis
Family: Cyatheaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Puerto Rico Alsophila (Alsophila portoricensis)
The Puerto Rico Alsophila, scientifically known as Alsophila portoricensis, is a tree fern native to Puerto Rico.
Considerations for Pets
- Tree ferns can sometimes have rough or fibrous trunks, which might be tempting for pets to scratch or chew.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Alsophila portoricensis (Spreng. ex Kuhn) Conant
- Common Name: Puerto Rico Alsophila
- Family: Cyatheaceae
- Synonym: The text mentions that some botanists classify this species in the Cyathea genus, referring to it as Cyathea portoricensis Spreng. ex Kuhn.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Puerto Rico.
- Often found at elevations between 465 - 720 m.
- Cyathea amintae (mentioned in the text as native to Puerto Rico, suggesting a close relationship or shared habitat) grows in shaded areas and cloud forests at an altitude of 1000-1200 m.
- Cyathea bryophila (mentioned in the text as native to Puerto Rico, suggesting a close relationship or shared habitat) grows in the understory in wet montane and mossy forests at an altitude of 750-1200 m.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth Habit: Tree
- Duration: Perennial (lives for more than two years)
- Tree ferns are readily recognized by their lacelike fern leaves.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions Tenuipalpus frondosus, a species of mite, found on tree ferns in Puerto Rico.
Further Information
- British Database of World Flora and Fauna
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
- International Plant Names Index
- Garden Guides Website