The Recent Discovery of Psilotum nudum in South Carolina

Abstract

Psilotum nudum (L.) Palisot, a widespread member of the Psilophyta in tropical regions, has a limited distribution in parts of southeastern United States. Bold (1967, p. 268) lists it from Florida, Louisiana and Texas. According to Small (1938, p. 398), Psilotum, commonly called Whisk-fern, is not uncommon in parts of Florida and occurs north into South Carolina. Matthews (1941) states that Psilotum is apparently very rare in South Carolina, having been reported only from the following localities: Santee Canal, Berkeley County, Ravenel about 1847; Old neglected garden in South Carolina, M. A. Curtis in 1859; Bluffton, Beaufort County, Mellichamp in 1882, 1887, 1894. In 1954, Matthews found Psilotum on the Coker College Campus in Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina. On December 30, 1971, on the grounds of a residence in Kingstree, Williamsburg County, South Carolina, I noticed a small plant growing under a Camellia japonica. After close observation, there was no doubt that the leafless specimen, which was about four inches long, was Psilotum. The unique features were dichotomous branching, small scale-like appendages (enations) on the aerial shoots, and the absence of roots. No sporangia were present. There were several much smaller shoots connected to the larger plant by a common rhizomatous system. The larger specimen of Psilotum was taken with soil to the plant room in the biology department of Francis Marion College. It has continued to develop in a container with a two-foot palm under timed (twelve hours daily) fluorescent lighting. Several shoots have emerged from underground near the base of the aerial stem.