Alsophila catillifera, synonym Cyathea catillifera,[1] is a species of tree fern native to eastern New Guinea, where it grows in montane scrub at an altitude of about 2800 m and above. It is a rare plant, known only from the type locality. The erect trunk is up to about 1 m tall and 10 cm in diameter. Characteristically of this species, the trunk often branches at the base. Fronds are bi- or tripinnate, 1–2 m long and may bear a pair of reduced pinnae towards the base. There are usually around six live fronds per crown at any one time. The stipe is spiny, warty and pale on the upper surface to dark at the base. It is |covered with scattered basal scales that are glossy dark brown and have a paler margin. Stipes are persistent with bases retained on the trunk. Sori occur near the midvein of fertile pinnules and are covered by thin, brown indusia that are saucer-like in appearance.[2]

Alsophila catillifera
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Species:
A. catillifera
Binomial name
Alsophila catillifera
(Holttum) R.M.Tryon[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Cyathea catillifera Holttum

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila catillifera". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Vol. 8. Archived from the original on 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2019-08-31.
  2. ^ Large, Mark F. & Braggins, John E. (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. p. 111. ISBN 978-0-88192-630-9.