Rare Fern Research Articles

Sediment nutrient drivers of the growth dynamics of the rare fern Marsilea quadrifolia

In analysing the global decline of macrophytes, a scant attention was generally paid to the direct relations of rooted aquatic plants with sediment eutrophication. Nevertheless, the sediment is a pivotal driver of macrophyte dynamics. In order to add new data about aquatic plant–sediment interactions, a microcosm experiment was performed to gain knowledge on the growth dynamics of the rare aquatic fern Marsilea quadrifolia L. Healthy shoots of M. quadrifolia were grown under an increasing availability of nutrients (N and P) and reducing sediment conditions for a total incubation time of 42 days. The variation in biomass and number of fronds and knots was monitored regularly at intervals of 10–11 days. The results confirm the pivotal role of sediment in driving the growth of M. quadrifolia, which responds rapidly to the increase in nutrient availability up to a moderate excess. M. quadrifolia seems to be a slightly eutrophic-rooted aquatic species, able to tolerate pore-water concentrations up to ~450 and 4 μM of NH4 + and PO4 3−, respectively. The present data corroborate the need to consider the short-term dynamics when analysing plant adaptations to sediment eutrophication, as well as a physical and chemical characterization of sediments to evaluate their potential bioreceptivity.

A Note on Selliguea murudensis (C. Chr.) Parris (Polypodiaceae), a New Record of Fern for Mount Alab, Crocker Range Park, Sabah

A rare fern species, Selliguea murudensis was found in the lower montane forest of Mount Alab. The species was previously observed in several localities, on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah and on Mount Mulu and Mount Murud in Sarawak. Mount Alab is the second locality of Selliguea murudensis to be recorded in Sabah, making it a new record for Mount Alab. Coincidentally, this was also the first record of the species to occur in higher altitude at 1,725 - 1900 m asl. The species is an epiphytic fern and was found growing on the trunk of a fallen tree. A single elongated fertile frond was observed with one series of sori on either side of the midvein. It thrives in cool, moist and shaded environment with air temperature and relative humidity of 15.5 ± 0.6 o C and 99.0 ± 2.1 %, respectively. The fern is believed to occur in abundance at Mount Alab and in the other localities of its limited distribution.

Хорологія та охорона рідкісних видів папоротей скельних біотопів Поліської частини Житомирської області

Автори висловлюють щиру подяку Г.П. Мокрицькому – директору краєзнавчого видавництва «Волинь» (м. Житомир) за допомогу в ідентифікації старовинних топонімів.

On the occurrence of Aleuritopteris chrysophylla (Hook.) Ching (Pteridaceae) in Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya

In present communication a rare Silver fern Aleuritopteris chrysophylla is reported for the first time from Uttarakahnd Himalaya. A Taxonomic description, distribution and diagnostic features of the taxon along with a photograph has been provided for easy identification.

The phylogenetic affinities of Pellaea connectens, a rare endemic Chinese fern

Using DNA sequences from five chloroplast makers (rbcL/ trnL–trnF/ rps4/ rps4–trnS/ trnG–trnR), we addressed the phylogenetic affinities of Pellaea connectens, a rare endemic Chinese cheilanthoid fern belonging to Pteridaceae. Our results confirmed that the species was a member of the newly segregated genus Argyrochosma, which was formerly considered as native to America, showing that the treatment of Pellaea connectens by Ching nor Tryon & Lugardon was supported. Moreover, its morphology, distribution, ecology, co-existing species, as well voucher specimens were also presented in this paper.

Gastony’s Cliffbrake (<em>Pellaea gastonyi</em>) in Manitoba: new records and assessment of conservation status

Gastony’s Cliffbrake (Pellaea gastonyi Windham) is a globally rare fern (Pteridaceae) that grows on limestone cliffs and ledges, including those associated with alvars. Until now, the only record in Manitoba was from a location just north of Fisher Branch. We report additional records and locations, one of which is over 250 km north of the initial collection. We also provide a conservation status assessment of this species in Manitoba that indicates that this species is rare in the province and is threatened in at least a portion of its range by habitat loss and degradation.

Reproductive Biology ofAglaomorpha cornucopia(Copel.) M.C. Roos, a Rare and Endemic Fern from the Philippines

Aglaomorpha cornucopia (Copel.) M.C. Roos is an endemic and rare epiphytic fern from the Philippines. Ex situ germplasm storage and growth are important complementary tools for conserving this rare fern. This study was conducted to document the reproductive biology of this species. Mature sporophylls of A. cornucopia were collected in May, 2012 from Mt. Apo, the Philippines. Each sporangium bore 64 yellow, monolete spores. The average spore size was 49.3±3.7 µm. Fresh spores germinated 100% within one week of sowing (mean germination time (MGT) <1 week). Air-dried mature spores remained completely viable even after one year of storage at 3°C, although mean germination time was somewhat delayed (MGT = 1.4 weeks). Spore germination was of the Vittaria-type, whereas gametophyte development was of the Drynaria-type. Adult gametophytes were cordiform-annual and gametangia were of the leptosporangiate type. Unicellular papillate hairs appeared on marginal, dorsal, and ventral surfaces of the gametophytes. Gametophytes first produced antheridia and archegonia after seven weeks of culture. Gametophytes began to sexually produce sporophytes after 13 weeks of culture. The rate of sporophyte production reached 64% after 26 weeks culture. Results of this study suggest that cold temperature spore storage and in vitro culture offer reliable techniques for conserving this rare fern.

Rare Ferns of the Amur Region (Russia)

Rare Ferns of the Amur Region (Russia)

On the occurrence of Athyrium nakanoi Makino (Woodsiaceae) in Sikkim Himalaya

A lady fern known from Japan, Taiwan, China and more recently from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh in India, Athyrium nakanoi Makino is reported here for the first time from Sikkim. It is red listed under near threatened category of IUCN. Recollection of this rare fern from a new locality of Indian Himalaya is significant. A small report on its occurrence, taxonomy, distribution, Phytogeography and conservation is presented here.

Palynology of the early Miocene Foulden Maar, Otago, New Zealand: Diversity following destruction

Foulden Maar crater in Otago, southern New Zealand contains a thick sequence of earliest Miocene (~23Ma) biogenic lacustrine sediments that have preserved a rich terrestrial biota. Diverse spores and pollen recovered from a 183m core through these sediments provide evidence of warm temperate to subtropical environments with high rainfall and cloud cover. Charcoal and burnt and dark-coloured pollen are common in reworked tephra below the lacustrine diatomite. At this early post-eruptive depositional period a diverse regional podocarp/Casuarina/Brassospora lowland forest flora was present, with gleichenaceous ferns suggesting a locally acidic environment, possibly supporting a fire-induced fernland. The regional vegetation soon became dominated by Nothofagus (Brassospora), while a diverse subtropical forest with abundant Mallotus/Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) developed on fertile volcanic soils around the maar. Evidence from palynomorphs combined with plant macrofossils represented in the lake sediments paints a picture of highly diverse lake margin vegetation that included rare ferns (Davallia), occasional conifers (Podocarpus and Prumnopitys), and a diverse array of monocots including at least one palm, two orchids, and species of Astelia, Cordyline, Freycinetia, Luzuriaga, Ripogonum and Typha. Overall, the vegetation close to the lake was dominated by a wide range of dicots, including Aquifoliaceae (Ilex), Araliaceae, Atherospermataceae (Laurelia), Chloranthaceae, Cunoniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Gyrostemonaceae (Gyrostemon), Lauraceae (Beilschmiedia, Cryptocarya, Litsea), Onagraceae (Fuchsia), Meliaceae (Dysoxylum), Monimiaceae (Hedycarya), Myrsinaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Santalaceae, Sapindaceae (Cupania), Malvaceae, Strasburgeriaceae, Winteraceae and at least ten Proteaceae. Mistletoes, including several species of Loranthaceae were present. Pollens from bur reeds, bulrushes, flaxes, jointed rushes and sedges suggest that there were some swampy, shallow water edges to the generally steep-sided crater. Pollen evidence from alternate dark and light layers, regarded as being biogenic varves from sedimentology, shows no strong signal for differences in summer and winter pollen deposition. Based on palynology the age of the site is latest uppermost Rhoipites waimumuensis Zone to lower early Proteacidites isopogiformis Zone (New Zealand local stages, late Waitakian–early Otaian, ~23Ma), agreeing with radiometric dates.

The fern genus Adenoderris (family incertae sedis) is artificial

AbstractFor over a century the relationships of the rare fern genus Adenoderris J. Sm. have been confused. Here, we (1) present a molecular analysis of the genus based on multiple chloroplast markers with the goal of placing its species phylogenetically, (2) provide insights into its morphology and complex taxonomy, and (3) make relevant nomenclatural changes. In seeking a resolution of the problems with Adenoderris, we investigated the morphological, historical, ecological, and biogeographical factors that have made Adenoderris so difficult to place with certainty. The key findings are that (1) Adenoderris comprises two species that were included in the genus on the basis of convergent and symplesiomorphic morphological features, and (2) though the two species both lie in the Dryopteridaceae, they belong to different genera. The correct names for these two species are Polystichum glandulosum C. Presl and Dryopteris sororia (Maxon) M. McHenry, Sundue &amp; Barrington, comb. nov.

Understanding mechanisms of rarity in pteridophytes: Competition and climate change threaten the rare fern Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum (Aspleniaceae)

Understanding the ecology of rare species can inform aspects of conservation strategies; however, the mechanisms of rarity remain elusive for most pteridophytes, which possess independent and ecologically distinct gametophyte and sporophyte generations. To elucidate factors contributing to recent declines of the rare fern Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum, we studied the ecology and ecophysiology of its gametophyte generation, focusing on responses to competition, temperature, and water stress. Gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum, its widespread European relative A. scolopendrium var. scolopendrium, and five co-occurring fern species were grown from spores. Gametophytes were grown at 20°C and 25°C, and germination rates, intra- and interspecific competition, desiccation tolerance, and sporophyte production were determined for all species. Gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum had the lowest rates of germination and sporophyte production among all species studied and exhibited the greatest sensitivity to interspecific competition, temperature increases, and desiccation. Mature gametophytes of A. scolopendrium var. americanum grown at 25°C were 84.6% smaller than those grown at 20°C, and only 1.5% produced sporophytes after 200 d in culture. Similar responses were not observed in other species studied. The recent declines and current status of populations of A. scolopendrium var. americanum are linked to its gametophyte's limited capacity to tolerate competition and physiological stress linked to climate change. This is the first study to develop a mechanistic understanding of rarity and decline in a fern and demonstrates the importance of considering the ecology of the gametophyte in plants with independent sporophyte and gametophyte generations.

Paleoecology of Early Pennsylvanian vegetation on a seasonally dry tropical landscape (Tynemouth Creek Formation, New Brunswick, Canada)

The distribution and community ecology of Early Pennsylvanian (middle Bashkirian, Langsettian) vegetation on a seasonally dry fluvial megafan is reconstructed from plant assemblages in the Tynemouth Creek Formation of New Brunswick, Canada. The principal motif of the redbed-dominated succession consists of degraded interfluve surfaces overlain by coarsening-upward aggradational sequences, a pattern that expresses the approach of an active channel system over a part of the megafan where landscape stasis prevailed. Accrual under a (dry) subhumid tropical climate, typified by a protracted dry season and a short wet season with torrential rainfall, resulted in Vertisol-like paleosols, episodic discharge and sedimentation, shallow channels incised into partially indurated interfluve strata, and scattered ‘waterhole’ deposits. Plant fossils, including many upright stumps, are preferentially preserved above paleosol-mantled interfluve surfaces, recording the inundation of a vegetated landscape. Quantitative analysis of 41 census-sampled megafloral assemblages collected in facies context indicates that a cordaitalean-rich flora dominated the dryland ecosystem. Less common was a wetland flora typical of tropical lowlands at coeval localities, comprising medullosalean pteridosperms and calamitaleans with rare ferns and lycopsids. ‘Enigmatic dryland’ plants, taxa of ambiguous affinity including Megalopteris, Pseudadiantites, and Palaeopteridium, were rare but surprisingly diverse. The taphonomic and sedimentologic context of fossiliferous horizons indicates that low-diversity, old-growth stands of gigantic cordaitaleans blanketed distal interfluves and inactive parts of the megafan, environs marked by limited deposition and extended paleosol development. Small patches of the pteridosperm-dominated wetland flora were interspersed within the dense cordaitalean forest, restricted to landforms that acted as waterholes during the dry season, such as perennial lakes, stagnant ponds, and seasonally active interfluve channels. In contrast, cordaitaleans and wetland plants formed mixed communities in disturbance-prone proximal interfluves and fluvial tracts, where more flooding and sedimentation resulted in less moisture-stressed conditions and a wider range of habitable landforms. Dense calamitalean groves persisted alongside fluvial channels, and an array of wetland plants occupied seasonally active abandoned channels that retained water throughout the year (waterholes). Rare ‘enigmatic dryland’ species were more prevalent in flood-prone fluvial tracts, and were dispersed within cordaitalean-dominated and wetland communities rather than forming discrete, compositionally unique patches. Although frequently characterized as ‘extrabasinal’ or ‘upland’ elements, this study confirms that these unusual plants occupied Pennsylvanian tropical lowlands during episodes of climatic drying.

Ex-Situ Conservation and uses of Cyathea Gigantea (Wall. Ex Hook.) Holtt. – A Rare and Endangered Terrestrial Fern

Cyathea gigantea (Wall. ex Hook.) Holtt. is a rare and endangered terrestrial fern. Also this fern species have economic, food and medicinal uses. So, it is of high importance to conserve and protect it. It is successfully conserved ex-situ at Experimental Botanic Garden, Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Umiam (Barapani), Meghalaya.

Mediterranean temporary ponds in Puglia (South Italy): a “joyau floristique” to protect

Mediterranean temporary ponds are priority habitats within the Natura 2000 network of the European Union (code 3170). They are isolated habitats, located in various Mediterranean countries, of high conservation value, with unique flora, successional stages and ecological characteristics. The vascular flora of Mediterranean temporary pools was studied to determine the diversity and ecology of these habitats: 47 sites and 63 rare species characteristic of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea phytosociological class were found. The results suggest that the vascular flora of temporary pools is very rare in Puglia, although rare ferns are better represented than previously reported. These habitats are difficult to detect, so it is necessary to prevent the loss and destruction of these “jewels” by adopting suitable management measures.

On the Rediscovery of &lt;I&gt;Pellaea Calomelanos&lt;/I&gt; in Central Himalaya with a Note on Distribution

Among the rare ferns of India, Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link has been re-discovered from Kumaon region of central Himalaya after a gap of nearly 100 years. In the intervening years this rare fern was not collected from any other parts of Himalaya or India. A detailed note on its distribution in India, and other parts of the world along with a note on colonisation is elaborated.

A Novel Way for Propagation of Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev.

Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev. is an endangered epiphytic fern ally with economical, traditional and horticultural interest. It posses various alkaloids like huperzine, huperzinine, lycoporine and carina-tumine which are responsible for its medicinal property, and used in treating a wide range of aliments like general weakness, fever due to swelling, brain disorders, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Over the years, it is experiencing rapid decline due to over-harvesting and loss of natural habitats. In order to check the problem and meet increasing demand with year round availability in local markets, a research programme was instituted to develop a suitable propagation protocol that can easily be understood by local growers. Two experimental models A and B (control) and corresponding media (I, II) were formulated separately to study enhancement of artificial bulbils in mature sporophytic tassel ferns (>5 years). In Model A, conventional earthen pots (30×25cm) and Media I were used. Model B was set up using coconut shells filled with Media II. After 6-8 months, bulbils developed in Model A showed efficient viability rate (100%), while bulbils failed to develop in Model B. The study highlights that this rare fern ally can be propagated easily through this novel way, being user friendly and affordable.

Gene Flow among Populations of Two Rare Co-Occurring Fern Species Differing in Ploidy Level

Differences in ploidy levels among different fern species have a vast influence on their mating system, their colonization ability and on the gene flow among populations. Differences in the colonization abilities of species with different ploidy levels are well known: tetraploids, in contrast to diploids, are able to undergo intra-gametophytic selfing. Because fertilization is a post-dispersal process in ferns, selfing results in better colonization abilities in tetraploids because of single spore colonization. Considerably less is known about the gene flow among populations of different ploidy levels. The present study examines two rare fern species that differ in ploidy. While it has already been confirmed that tetraploid species are better at colonizing, the present study focuses on the gene flow among existing populations. We analyzed the genetic structure of a set of populations in a 10×10 km study region using isoenzymes. Genetic variation in tetraploid species is distributed mainly among populations; the genetic distance between populations is correlated with the geographical distance, and larger populations host more genetic diversity than smaller populations. In the diploid species, most variability is partitioned within populations; the genetic distance is not related to geographic distance, and the genetic diversity of populations is not related to the population size. This suggests that in tetraploid species, which undergo selfing, gene flow is limited. In contrast, in the diploid species, which experience outcrossing, gene flow is extensive and the whole system behaves as one large population. Our results suggest that in ferns, the ability to colonize new habitats and the gene flow among existing populations are affected by the mating system.

한반도 희귀양치식물 2종의 신분포지 보고

During the course of the execution of the project entitled Distribution Research of Rare Plants, we found the habitats of two rare ferns with obscure and/or extremely restricted distribution ranges, as previously unreported habitats. A subantarctic fern reported on Hamgyeong-do and Gangwon-do, Dryopteris coreano-montana Nakai, was found on Mt. Ibam in Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do. A subtropical fern reported south of Jeju-do, Dryopteris decipiens (Hook.) Kuntze, was newly found on Mt. Cheongwan of Jangheung-gun in Jeollanam-do.

Inter-and intraspecific variation in fern mating systems after long-distance colonization: the importance of selfing

BackgroundPrevious studies on the reproductive biology of ferns showed that mating strategies vary among species, and that polyploid species often show higher capacity for self-fertilization than diploid species. However, the amount of intraspecific variation in mating strategy and selfing capacity has only been assessed for a few species. Yet, such variation may have important consequences during colonization, as the establishment of any selfing genotypes may be favoured after long-distance dispersal (an idea known as Baker's law).ResultsWe examined intra-and interspecific variation in potential for self-fertilization among four rare fern species, of which two were diploids and two were tetraploids: Asplenium scolopendrium (2n), Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens (4n), Polystichum setiferum (2n) and Polystichum aculeatum (4n). Sporophyte production was tested at different levels of inbreeding, by culturing gametophytes in isolation, as well as in paired cultures with a genetically different gametophyte. We tested gametophytes derived from various genetically different sporophytes from populations in a recently planted forest colonized through long-distance dispersal (Kuinderbos, the Netherlands), as well as from older, less disjunct populations.Sporophyte production in isolation was high for Kuinderbos genotypes of all four species. Selfing capacity did not differ significantly between diploids and polyploids, nor between species in general. Rather selfing capacity differed between genotypes within species. Intraspecific variation in mating system was found in all four species. In two species one genotype from the Kuinderbos showed enhanced sporophyte production in paired cultures. For the other species, including a renowned out crosser, selfing capacity was consistently high.ConclusionsOur results for four different species suggest that intraspecific variation in mating system may be common, at least among temperate calcicole ferns, and that genotypes with high selfing capacity may be present among polyploid as well as diploid ferns. The surprisingly high selfing capacity of all genotypes obtained from the Kuinderbos populations might be due to the isolated position of these populations. These populations may have established through single-spore colonization, which is only possible for genotypes capable of self-fertilization. Our results therewith support the idea that selection for selfing genotypes may occur during long-distance colonization, even in normally outcrossing, diploid ferns.