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Cochise scaly cloakfern

Scientific Name: Astrolepis cochisensis

Family: Pteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cochise Scaly Cloakfern (Astrolepis cochisensis)

The Astrolepis cochisensis, also commonly known as the Cochise scaly cloakfern, is a captivating fern native to arid regions. This plant offers a glimpse into the resilience of desert flora.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham
  • Common Names: Cochise scaly cloakfern, Scaly cloak fern, Cochise cloakfern
  • Genus: Astrolepis D.M. Benham & Windham
  • Family: Pteridaceae (Desert Fern family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cheilanthes cochisensis
    • Cheilanthes sinuata var. cochisensis
    • Notholaena cochisensis (based on the synonym Cheilanthes sinuata (Lag. ex Sw.) Domin var. cochisensis (Goodding) Munz)
  • Subspecies:
    • Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. cochisensis (Cochise Scaly Cloakfern)
    • Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica D.M. Benham (Arizona Scaly Cloakfern)
    • Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. chihuahuaensis (Chihuahua scaly cloakfern)
  • Latin Name Pronunciation: as-tro-LEP-is ko-chi-SEN-sis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
  • Specifically found across much of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts.
  • Observed in locations such as Waterman Mtns, Ironwood Forest NM, and Pima Co., Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Rhizomatous fern.
  • Small leaves and small stature.
  • Enters a dormant state during extra dry weather.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • Isozyme analyses suggest that subsp. cochisensis is an autotriploid derivative of a diploid.

Fertilizing Information

  • Fertilize every 15-20 days with houseplant fertilizer.
  • During the spring, use fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed roadside collecting alongside a spike moss.

Further Information

  • Discover Life page provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS)
  • ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium.
  • PlantFiles forum thread.