Abstract
Phylogenetic relationships among 48 species representing the nine sections within the fern genus Elaphoglossum were investigated using cpDNA sequence data from rbcL, trnL‐F, and rps4‐trnS. Elaphoglossum is shown to be a well‐supported, monophyletic genus containing five major clades. Mapping of morphological characters onto the molecular phylogeny reveals how scale structure, rhizome morphology, presence/absence of hydathodes and/or phyllopodia, and general growth form are important synapomorphies for sectional and subsectional classification in Elaphoglossum. The first major clade is formed by species with subulate scales and/or hydathodes. Within this clade, a monophyletic group is formed by those species possessing hydathodes, and another monophyletic group is formed by species lacking hydathodes. The second major clade is formed by species that generally have conspicuously scaly blades. The third major clade is characterized by slender, long‐creeping, two‐ranked rhizomes, small leaves (generally less ...
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