Abstract
The Asplenium wrightii complex is morphologically variable and difficult in species delimitation. Owing to lack of comprehensive sampling in phylogenetic studies, the taxonomy of this complex remains unresolved. Based on extensive field observations, specimen examination and our recent molecular data, the present study aims to clarify the identities of three species of Asplenium in this complex from Asia. Our study revealed that A. alatulum and A. subcrenatum, previously treated as synonyms of A. wrightii, should be reinstated. A taxonomic revision of the three species, including their type information, detailed descriptions, voucher specimens, distribution, ecology, as well as taxonomic notes, is carried out.
Highlights
Asplenium L. (Aspleniaceae) comprises more than 700 species of epilithic, epiphytic or terrestrial herbs, distributed throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world (Kramer and Viane 1990)
The A. wrightii complex was nested within A. bullatum clade, while species A. finlaysonianum was nested within Tarachia clade and species A. loriceum and A. matsumurae were nested within Neottopteris clade (Xu et al 2020)
These three species, A. finlaysonianum, A. loriceum and A. matsumurae were excluded from the A. wrightii complex
Summary
Asplenium L. (Aspleniaceae) comprises more than 700 species of epilithic, epiphytic or terrestrial herbs, distributed throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world (Kramer and Viane 1990). These two species were recognised by Wu (1999), but not by Lin and Viane (2013), who treated them as synonyms of A. wrightii in light of variable morphological characters within this aggregate. During our taxonomic study on Asplenium, we found that A. alatum, A. subcrenatum and A. wrightii could be identified and are distinguishable from one another, based on morphological characteristics and geographical distribution.
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