Alsophila × boytelii is a tree fern endemic to the Sierra Maestra range of southeastern Cuba. It is a natural interspecific hybrid between Alsophila balanocarpa and Alsophila woodwardioides. The spores of A. × boytelii are normal in appearance; Caluff and Serrano (2002) suggest that it might therefore be fertile. This theory is strengthened by the presence of a large population of A. × boytelii in the Gran Piedra area. Caluff and Serrano (2002) note that "a full range of intermediates linking this hybrid with its parent species suggests the occurrence of backcrossing".[2]
| Alsophila × boytelii | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Cyatheales |
| Family: | Cyatheaceae |
| Genus: | Alsophila |
| Species: | A. × boytelii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Alsophila × boytelii Caluff & Shelton[1]
| |
The type material was collected in Reserva Gran Piedra, Santiago de Cuba Province at an altitude of 1000 m on November 18, 1983.[2]
The specific epithet boytelii honours the late Fernando Boytel Jambú of Cuba.[2]
References
edit- ^ Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila x boytelii". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Archived from the original on 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
- ^ a b c Caluff, M.G. & Serrano, G.S. (2002), "Cuban novelties in the genus Alsophila (Cyatheaceae)", Willdenowia, 32: 303–309