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Lemmaphyllum microphyllum
C.Presl
(no common name)
Polypodiaceae
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum is a species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is an often epiphytic plant that is widespread over eastern Asia.
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Description
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum is a small, often epiphytic plant, with sparsely scaly rhizomes. Sterile fronds are shortly stalked or stalkless, 1.6 to 2.5 cm long and about 1.5 cm wide. Sterile fronds tend to be round, ovate or obovate, with a tapering base, round tip, and smooth margins. Fertile fronds, on the other hand have a 3 to 8 mm long stipe, and are 3.5 to 6 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide, narrow, oblong or lanceolate, with margins rolled under when dried. Fertile fronds bear two linear sori that are actually coenosori: multiple sori that are fused together (Wu et al. 2013).
Variety microphyllum is the more common variety, with sterile fronds that are rounder with shorter stipes. Variety obovatum is more local and uncommon, and has sterile fronds that are narrower with longer stipes (Wu et al. 2013).
Variety microphyllum is the more common variety, with sterile fronds that are rounder with shorter stipes. Variety obovatum is more local and uncommon, and has sterile fronds that are narrower with longer stipes (Wu et al. 2013).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Distribution
This plant grows on trees or rocks in forests, at an altitude of up to 1500 m. It is native to eastern and southeastern China, as well as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, northeastern India, and Vietnam. The variety obovatum is restricted to the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, and Taiwan (Wu et al. 2013).
Status
References
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Description
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