Elaphoglossum litanum (Dryopteridaceae), an older name for E. megalurum from the Andes and E. subciliatum from Central America

Abstract

We show that Elaphoglossum megalurum, previously thought endemic to Peru and Bolivia, and E. subciliatum, previously thought endemic to Costa Rica and Panama, are later heterotypic synonyms of E. litanum, a species described from northwestern Ecuador. The revised distribution of this species is now construed as Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The species has a wide elevational range, occurring from (20–)100–1400 m. In South America, it occurs on both the eastern and western sides of the Andes. A complete list of synonyms and their types, a description, specimens examined, and a distribution map is given for E. litanum as recognized in this new, more inclusive sense. A lectotype is designated for E. carillense, which has long been considered a synonym of E. subciliatum, and a second-step lecotype is designated for E. litanum.