Tectaria estremerana is a rare species of fern known by the common name Puerto Rico halberd fern.[1] It is endemic to Puerto Rico. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.[2]
| Tectaria estremerana | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Suborder: | Polypodiineae |
| Family: | Tectariaceae |
| Genus: | Tectaria |
| Species: | T. estremerana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tectaria estremerana Proctor & A.M.Evans
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This fern has fronds up to 80 centimetres (31 inches) long, each with a hairy, orange brown stipe. The rachis is hairy and the leaf is divided into a few elongated leaflets.[2]
When this plant was placed on the United States' Endangered Species List it was known from a population of 23 individuals in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The ferns are located about 200 metres (220 yards) away from the Arecibo Radio Telescope.[2] Later more individuals were discovered in Río Abajo Commonwealth Forest and in the municipality of Florida.[3]
References
edit- ^ Tectaria estremerana. USDA Plants Profile.
- ^ a b c USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for Four Endemic Puerto Rican Ferns. Federal Register June 9, 1993.
- ^ USFWS. 5-Year Review for 3 Puerto Rican Ferns. January 2010.
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