Cheilanthes wrightii
Sp. Fil. 2: 87, plate 110, fig. A. 1858.
Stems long-creeping, 1–3 mm diam.; scales uniformly brown or slightly darker at base, linear-lanceolate, straight to slightly contorted, loosely appressed, often deciduous on older portions of stem. Leaves clustered to somewhat scattered, 4–25 cm; vernation circinate. Petiole brown, grooved adaxially. Blade lanceolate to ovate-deltate, 2-pinnate-pinnatifid at base, 1–4 cm wide; rachis grooved adaxially, not scaly or pubescent. Pinnae not articulate, dark color of stalk continuing into pinna base, basal pair often slightly larger than adjacent pair, ± equilateral, appearing glabrous adaxially. Costae green adaxially for most of length; abaxial scales absent. Ultimate segments oblong to linear, not beadlike, the largest 3–7 mm, abaxially and adaxially glabrous. False indusia marginal, slightly differentiated, 0.05–0.25 mm wide. Sori discontinuous, concentrated on interrupted lateral lobes. Sporangia containing 64 spores. 2n = 60.
Phenology: Sporulating summer–fall.
Habitat: Rocky slopes and ledges usually on igneous substrates
Elevation: 300–2000 m
Distribution
Ariz., N.Mex., Tex., n Mexico.
Discussion
The glabrous Cheilanthes wrightii is occasionally confused with C. alabamensis and certain species of Pellaea. Cheilanthes wrightii is easily separated from C. alabamensis by its glabrous rachis, which is grooved on the adaxial surface. It is distinguished from all local members of Pellaea by having both a grooved rachis and a thin, long-creeping stem.
Selected References
None.