Thelypteris ovata

Stems usually long-creeping, 3–6 mm diam. Leaves monomorphic, evergreen, (0.5–)1–4 cm apart, (30–)55–135(–165) cm. Petiole straw-colored, 15–80 cm × 2–6 mm, at base with tan to brownish, linear-lanceolate, hairy scales. Blade about equaling petiole length, broadest at base, gradually to somewhat abruptly tapered to pinnatifid apex. Pinnae (5–)10–25 × 0.8–2.2 cm, incised 4/5 of width; segments oblique, somewhat curved, basal pair from middle pinnae often elongate parallel to rachis; proximal pair of veins from adjacent segments reaching margin at or just above sinus. Indument abaxially of hairs mostly 0.2–0.5 mm on costae, veins, and blade tissue, also sometimes of a few tan scales on costae and rachises; blades adaxially glabrous except along rachises and costae. Sori round, supramedial to inframarginal; indusia tan, hairy, hairs mostly 0.2–0.4 mm; sporangia glabrous. 2n = 72.

Distribution

North America, Mexico, West Indies, Central America.

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Thelypteris ovata var. lindheimeri, Thelypteris ovata var. ovata

Key

1	Scales usually absent on costae abaxially; blade tissue glabrous adaxially; petiole base and stem scales brownish.	Thelypteris ovata var. ovata
1	Scales few, very narrow, on costae abaxially; blade tissue minutely pubescent or glabrous adaxially; petiole base and stem scales tan.	Thelypteris ovata var. lindheimeri