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lepisorus
Scientific Name: Lepisorus
Family: Polypodiaceae
Category: Fern
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lepisorus: A Fern Genus
Lepisorus is a genus of ferns belonging to the family Polypodiaceae. It's closely related to the genera Belvisia and Lemmaphyllum and is classified within the tribe Lepisoreae.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species, such as Lepisorus bicolor, are commonly available for sale, suggesting they may be found in homes and gardens.
- Lepisorus species possess creeping rhizomes covered in scales, potentially posing a risk if ingested by pets or children.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Lepisorus
- Family: Polypodiaceae (sometimes placed within Drynariaceae)
- Major Group: Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern Allies)
- Synonyms and Related Names:
- Pleopeltis nuda Hooker (for Lepisorus nudus)
- Polypodium scolopendrium Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don (in part, for Lepisorus excavatus var. scolopendrium)
- Lepisorus amaurolepidus var. longifolius Bir & Tirkha (synonym for Lepisorus nudus)
Common Names
- Sechuan Ribbon Fern (for Lepisorus bicolor)
- Weeping Fern (for Lepisorus thunbergianus)
- Thunberg's Lepisorus (for Lepisorus thunbergianus)
- Chinese Name for Lepisorus thunbergianus: ??
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus is paleotropical, with species found in regions like Malesia, the Himalayas, and Southern Africa.
- Specific locations mentioned include Nepal (type locality for Lepisorus nudus), Bulwer Biosphere (South Africa), Reunion Island, and Jeju Island (South Korea).
- Some species, like Lepisorus thunbergianus, can be found growing on rocks.
Morphological Characteristics
- Lepisorus are typically epiphytic herbs.
- They possess a long, creeping rhizome, usually up to 3 mm thick, which is branched and densely covered by appressed scales (ovate to ovate-lanceolate, about 4 x 1 mm).
- Lepisorus thunbergianus can grow to be 8-29cm tall.
Ecological Role
- Lepisorus species often grow as epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants without harming them.
Genetic Information
- Phylogenetic studies have used plastid DNA sequences from regions like rbcL to investigate relationships within the genus.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions that some Lepisorus species are epiphytic herbs, indicating an interaction with host plants.
Quirky Facts
- The sori (spore-producing structures) of Lepisorus thunbergianus are round and naked, lacking the indusium (protective covering) found in many other fern species.
- Some Lepisorus species are being investigated for bioactive compounds.
Further Resources
- BioLib.cz provides images of Lepisorus thunbergianus.
- iNaturalist.org offers classification information.
- World Ferns database provides species details.
- Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Lepisorus pseudo-ussuriensis Tagawa.