Polystichum braunii
5: 278. 1852.
Stems erect. Leaves monomorphic, arching, 2–10 dm; bulblets absent. Petiole 1/8–1/6 length of leaf, densely scaly; scales light brown, gradually diminishing in size distally. Blade broadly lanceolate, 2-pinnate; base narrowed. Pinnae oblong-lanceolate or falcate, proximal pinnae ± rectangular, not overlapping, in 1 plane, 2–10 cm; base oblique except proximal 3–4 pinnae, where auricles not developed; apex acute, subapical and apical teeth same size; microscales filiform to linear, lacking projections, dense abaxially, sparse adaxially. Pinnules ± stalked, short-falcate to oblique-rhombic, acroscopic auricle well developed on proximal pinnules; margins dentate, with slender bristle tips; apex broadly acute. Indusia ciliate. Spores brown. 2n = 164.
Habitat: Moist places in boreal forests, interior moist forests
Elevation: 0–300 m
Distribution
St. Pierre and Miquelon, B.C., N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Ont., Que., Yukon, Alaska, Conn., Idaho, Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H., N.Y., Vt., Wis., Eurasia.
Discussion
Because no diploid ancestors have been found, Polystichum braunii is thought to be an ancient tetraploid. Its sterile hybrid with P. acrostichoides, P. × potteri, is discussed under P. acrostichoides. Polystichum braunii × lonchitis has been reported from southeast Alaska (S. L. Welsh 1974). This hybrid has been cytologically confirmed in Europe and named P. × meyeri Sleep & Reichstein (A. Sleep and T. Reichstein 1967). It has narrower and less divided leaves than P. braunii and poorly developed auricles. Polystichum braunii × lonchitis was described by J. Ewan (1944), but the type (from British Columbia) is P. braunii × munitum (A. Sleep and T. Reichstein 1967). This latter hybrid is the postulated progenitor of P. setigerum (D. H. Wagner 1979). North American P. braunii has been segregated as var. purshii Fernald, distinguished from European populations (var. braunii) by having broader microscales.
Selected References
None.