Overview
The Dicksoniaceae is a family of tropical, subtropical and warm temperate ferns. Most of the 5-6 genera in the family are terrestrial ferns or have very short trunks compared to tree ferns of the family Cyatheaceae. However, some of the larger species can reach several metres in height. A number of others are epiphytes. They are found mostly in tropical regions in the Southern Hemisphere, as far south as southern New Zealand.
Species in the family are generally characterized by large pinnate fronds, 1?4 m long. The family includes several species of tree ferns, which grow a single trunk, notably the species in Dicksonia. All members of the family have long, tapering hairs composed of cells arranged end to end, unlike the scales characteristic of the Cyatheaceae.
Evolution
The ferns of family Dicksoniaceae are generally regarded as mor e primitive than those of the family Cyatheaceae, having originated in the early Jurassic period.
Diversity
Only 3 extant genera are recognised in this monophyletic family:
- Calochlaena
- Dicksonia
- Lophosoria
See also
- Cyatheales
Species in the family are generally characterized by large pinnate fronds, 1?4 m long. The family includes several species of tree ferns, whic h grow a single trunk, notably the species in Dicksonia. All members of the family have long, tapering hairs composed of cells arranged end to end, unlike the scales characteristic of the Cyatheaceae.
Evolution
The ferns of family Dicksoniaceae are generally regarded as more primitive than those of the family Cyatheaceae, having originated in the early Jurassic period.
Diversity
Only 3 extant genera are recognised in this monophyletic family:
- Calochlaena
- Dicksonia
- Lophosoria
See also
- Cyatheales
References
- Classification of Ferns and Allies
- Large, M.F. and J.E. Braggins (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-630-2
- Smith, A.R., K.M. Pryer, E. Schuettpelz, P. Korall, H. Schneider & P.G. Wol f 2006. A classification for extant ferns.PDF (420 KiB) Taxon 55(3): 705-731.
Taxonomy
The Family Dicksoniaceae is further organized into finer groupings including:
- Subfamily (1): Rhododendroideae
- Tribe (2): Maranteae · Rhododendreae
- Genus (12): Balantium · Calochlaena · Coniopteris · Culcita · Cystodium · Dicksonia · Lophosoria · Onychiopsis · Panicularia · Pinonia · Sitobolium · Trichosorus
- Species: ZipcodeZoo has pages for 225 species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars in the Family Dicksoniaceae.
Genera
Balantium
Calochlaena
Coniopteris
Culcita
Cystodium
Dicksonia
Dicksonia is a genus of tree ferns in the order Cyatheales. It is regarded as related to Cyathea, but is considered more primitive, dating back at least to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The fossil record includes stems, pinnules, and spores. [more]
Lophosoria
Lophosoria is a genus of tree ferns within the Dicksoniaceae family. [more]
Onychiopsis
Panicularia
Pinonia
Sitobolium
Trichosorus
Cyathea is a genus of tree ferns, the type genus of the fern order Cyatheales. They are mostly terrestrial ferns, usually with a single tall stem. Rarely, the trunk may be branched or creeping. Many species also develop a fibrous mass of roots at the base of the trunk. The genus has a pantropical distribution, with over 470 species. They grow in habitats ranging from tropical rain forests to temperate woodlands. [more]
More info about the Genus Trichosorus may be found here.
References
- Classification of Ferns and Allies
- Large, M.F. and J.E. Braggins (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-630-2
- Smith, A.R., K.M. Pryer, E. Schuettpelz, P. Korall, H. Schneider & P.G. Wolf 2006. A classification for extant ferns.PDF (420 KiB) Taxon 55(3): 705-731.
Sources
- The text on this page is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It includes material from Wikipedia retrieved Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
- The distribution map on the Distribution tab comes from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and is used with permission.
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