Weedy ferns (Polypodiopsida) in Argentina: diversity, distribution and impact on human activities and ecosystems.

Agustina Yañez,Diego G Gutierrez,Marta Mónica Ponce

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202020180983

Abstract

Currently, in Argentina 368 species of true ferns (i.e. Polypodiopsida class) are distributed throughout the country, however, only four of them have been mentioned until now as weeds and ruderal species. The goal of this work was to generate an update of weedy ferns from Argentina, including morphology, distribution, and type of weed according to their impact on natural habitats and/or human activities. All Argentinian fern species were analyzed based on references, herbarium specimens, and field trips. As a result of our study 25 species were recorded from Argentina and classified as segetal, ecological, or aquatic weeds, and ruderal and/or toxic species. Current taxonomic identity, diagnostic characters, origins, habitats, geographical distribution, common names, and impact and potential risks were indicated by species. In addition, we provide a dichotomous key to species, presence of these species in southern South American countries, as well as and photographs in natural habitat. This work represents the first review on native and exotic ferns from Argentina that cause an impact on human activities or disturbe native habitats. The results provide information for the development of weed management tools and priority areas to implement them.

Highlights

This work represents the first contribution on the weedy “fern” or “true ferns” species (Polypodiopsida sensu PPG I) that grow in Argentina and their relationships with natural habitats and human activities
Three of them were recognized as toxic for animals and humans, eight were ruderal associated with urban environments, and 12 spp. were associated with crops, natural habitats and/or aquatic habitats
From a taxonomical point of view, the 25 species belong to 16 genera and ten families of Polypodiopsida

Summary

Introduction

This work represents the first contribution on the weedy “fern” or “true ferns” species (Polypodiopsida sensu PPG I) that grow in Argentina and their relationships with natural habitats and human activities. Until more than a decade ago, the ferns and lycophytes (Lycopodiopsida class sensu PPG I 2016) were grouped in the paraphyletic clade “Pteridophytes” but they later separated based on morphological and molecular data (Smith et al 2006). Polypodiopsida is the sister group of the seed plants and consists of about 10578 species in the world (PPG I 2016), of which 368 are present in Argentina (Ponce & Arana 2016). The controversial term “weed” can be defined, in a broad sense, as those plant species that interfere with human activity because they grow at a time and place where they are unwanted (Holzner 1978, Fryer 1979). “weeds” are considered exotic species that are distributed

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