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southwestern false cloak fern

Scientific Name: Argyrochosma limitanea ssp. limitanea

Family: Pteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Southwestern False Cloak Fern

The Southwestern False Cloak Fern, scientifically known as Argyrochosma limitanea, is a fascinating fern species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Argyrochosma limitanea (Maxon) Windham
  • Common Name: Southwestern False Cloak Fern
  • Family: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; Subspecies
  • Subspecies: Argyrochosma limitanea ssp. limitanea (Maxon) Windham
  • Synonyms: Cheilanthes limitanea (Maxon) Mickel var., Notholaena limitanea subsp. mexicana Maxon, Notholaena limitanea
  • Symbol: ARLI4

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Southwestern False Cloak Fern is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
  • It is found in states such as Arizona, Texas (southern border of the Edwards Plateau), Nevada, and New Mexico.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Josephine Canyon in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and the Tinajas Altas region.
  • The high mountains of southern Arizona mark the southern limit of this species' natural range.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a perennial forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years.
  • The plant is rhizomatous, indicating it has creeping underground stems.
  • It is evergreen during spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • Adult specimens are described as being medium in size.
  • The leaf margins are thick and rolled.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text references its presence alongside other plant species, such as Pinus strobiformis (border white pine) and Achnatherum eminens (southwestern needlegrass).

Further Information

  • Holotype for Notholaena limitanea Maxon Catalog Number: US 736532.
  • Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History.
  • Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Argyrochosma limitanea.
  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and plant information.