Acrostichum
Description
Rhizomes massive, shortcreeping to erect; roots stout, fleshy; rhizome scales thick, blackish brown, to 22 x 2 mm; fronds large, 1-pinnate, each with a conform terminal pinna; pinnae elliptic, entire, coriaceous, glabrous or with minute hairs; veins finely netted, without included veinlets; sori acrostichoid on all or only the distal pinnae, with many capitate paraphyses; indusia absent; spores tetrahedral, whitish tan; x=30.A
A. Mickel, J. T. & Smith, A. R. 2004: The Pteridophytes of Mexico Vol. 88
Discussion
It is a genus of perhaps as few as three tropical species: one American, one Australasian, and one pantropical. Although thegenus has been generally allied with Pteris, its affinity is not close. It is especially distinct in its acrostichoid sori, many stipe bundles, large fleshy roots, large plant size, marshy habitat, and coriaceous, 1-pinnate fronds. The species are often confused due to their subtle differences. Our descriptions are based on Adams and Tomlinson (1979).B
B. Mickel, J. T. & Smith, A. R. 2004: The Pteridophytes of Mexico Vol. 88
Distribution
México (Country) native and not endemicC
Habitat & Ecology
Inhabits marshes, swamps, and stream margins, forming extensive stands 2–5 m tall in fresh or brackish water.D
D. Mickel, J. T. & Smith, A. R. 2004: The Pteridophytes of Mexico Vol. 88
Synonymy
Acrostichum, Sp. Pl. 2: 1067. 1753