Alsophila × marcescens

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Alsophila × marcescens
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Species:
A. × marcescens
Binomial name
Alsophila × marcescens
(N.A.Wakef.) R.M.Tryon
Synonyms[1]
  • Cyathea × marcescens N.A.Wakef.

Alsophila × marcescens, synonym Cyathea × marcescens, commonly known as the skirted tree fern, is a tree fern endemic to the Cape Otway ranges in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. It is a natural hybrid, apparently Alsophila australis (syn. Cyathea australis) × Alsophila cunninghamii (syn. Cyathea cunninghamii). Large and Braggins (2004) note that it has characteristics midway between these two species. The spores of A. × marcescens are usually malformed although sterile. The trunk of this plant is erect and up to 10 m tall. Fronds may be bi- or tripinnate and 3–4 m in length. Dead fronds often persist, forming a characteristic skirt around the trunk. The stipe is thick, black and warty. The rachis and trunk are covered in shiny, dark brown scales. Sori are borne near the fertile pinnule midvein and are protected by thin indusia that are saucer-like in appearance.[2]

The type material was collected by on (specifically in and "The Spring") in February, 1941 and , in August, 1941.[2]

Alsophila × marcescens is a slow-growing plant that is sensitive to dry conditions and requires shelter from the sun and the wind.[2]

References[]

  1. ^ Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila x marcescens". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Vol. 8. Retrieved 2019-08-21.
  2. ^ a b c Large, Mark F. & Braggins, John E. (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. p. 221. ISBN 978-0-88192-630-9.


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