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Arizona scaly cloakfern
Scientific Name: Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. arizonica
Family: Pteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cochise Scaly Cloakfern (Astrolepis cochisensis)
The Cochise Scaly Cloakfern, scientifically known as Astrolepis cochisensis, is a fern native to Arizona and other states.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodding) Benham & Windham
- Common Names: Cochise Scaly Cloakfern, Arizona Scaly Cloakfern, Wavy Scaly Cloakfern, Star-scaled Fern, Wavy Cloak Fern, Scaly Cloak Fern
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Subspecies:
- Astrolepis cochisensis subsp. arizonica Benham (Arizona Scaly Cloakfern)
- Astrolepis cochisensis subsp. cochisensis (Cochise Scaly Cloakfern)
- Synonym: Cheilanthes sinuata (Lag. ex Sw.) Domin (for Wavy Scaly Cloakfern - Astrolepis sinuata)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico.
- Grows on dry, rocky slopes.
- Specifically found in locations such as Cochise County, Pima County (Santa Catalina Mountains), and Coconino County in Arizona.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial herb.
- Wavy Scaly Cloakfern (Astrolepis sinuata subsp. sinuata) can range from 4 to 24 inches.
- Prefers shady places and should be protected from direct sunlight.
Ecological Role
- A hardy fern adapted to the Chihuahuan Desert environment, growing in rocky substrates.
Further Information
- Information available at the UA Herbarium ASU, ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium.
- Specimens are on display at Tohono Chul Park, Inc. in Tucson, AZ.