Starscale fern (Pleopeltis astrolepis, Mexic. Pl.: 87 (1872))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (Liebm.) E.Fourn.

Bibliography: Mexic. Pl.: 87 (1872)

Year: 1872

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pleopeltis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Starscale fern, scientifically known as Pleopeltis astrolepis, is a fascinating member of the Polypodiaceae family. This species was first meticulously documented in “Mexic. Pl.: 87” in the year 1872, with its authoritative classification attributed to (Liebm.) E.Fourn.

This resilient fern predominantly thrives in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, showcasing its adaptability to a variety of climates within these zones. Its presence across these diverse habitats highlights not only its ecological versatility but also its importance in the regional biodiversity.

The Starscale fern is named for its distinctive star-like scales that cover its fronds, a feature that sets it apart from many other ferns and adds to its ornamental appeal. This unique characteristic not only contributes to its common name but also plays a vital role in its adaptation and survival, offering protection and aiding in moisture retention in its native environments.

As a member of the Polypodiaceae family, Pleopeltis astrolepis shares numerous traits with its relatives, yet its distinct appearance and specific growing conditions mark it as a unique and noteworthy species within the fern community. Whether encountered in the wild or cultivated in botanical collections, the Starscale fern remains an intriguing subject of study and admiration for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: starscale fern
En: Starscale fern

Synonyms

• Phlebodium elongatum ((Sw.) J.Sm.)
• Taenitis swartzii (Jenman)
• Grammitis revoluta (Spreng. ex Kunze)
• Synammia elongata ((Sw.) C.Presl)
• Pleopeltis angustifolia (D.C.Eaton)
• Drynaria prieurii (Fée)
• Loxogramme elongata ((Sw.) T.Moore)
• Polypodium astrolepis (Liebm.)
• Grammitis squamulosa (Splitg.)
• Polypodium lanceolatum var. elongatum ((Sw.) Krug)
• Mecosorus elongatus ((Sw.) Klotzsch)
• Polypodium prieurii (Christ)
• Grammitis elongata (Sw.)
• Phlebodium astrolepis ((Liebm.) Conz.)
• Polypodium peltatum (Cav.)
• Grammitis lanceolata (Schkuhr)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650491)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1197020-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pleopeltis astrolepis (Liebm.) E. Fourn.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth