Sticherus compactus (Christ) Nakai (1950: 15)

Gonzales, Jasivia & Kessler, Michael, 2011, A synopsis of the Neotropical species of Sticherus (Gleicheniaceae), with descriptions of nine new species, Phytotaxa 31, pp. 1-54 : 23

Sticherus compactus (Christ) Nakai (1950: 15)

Gleichenia compacta Christ (1905b: 254) .

Type: — COSTA RICA. La Palma, Wercklé s.n. (holotype BAS!) .

Gleichenia mellifera Christ (1906: 281) . Sticherus mellifer (Christ) Nakai (1950: 15) .

Type: — COSTA RICA. Río Navarro , 1400 m, Wercklé s.n. (holotype P!) .

Gleichenia bradeorum Rosenstock (1912: 274) .

Type: — COSTA RICA. La Palma, Brade 501 (holotype BM!) .

Distribution and ecology:— Mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. In open habitats in humid montane forests at 850–1600 m.

Notes:— Sticherus compactus is very similar morphologically to S. furcatus , thus many specimens are misidentified in many herbaria. The main difference between them is that in S. compactus the branch and bud scales are darkened from the margins, whereas in S. furcatus the darkening is basal. Further differences are detailed under the latter species. Sticherus compactus may also be confused with S. rubiginosus , which also has marginally darkened scales, but S. rubiginosus has larger, long-lanceolate branch and bud scales, shorter fronds, and has narrowly linear midvein scales. Sticherus compactus is easily recognized in adult specimens by the blackish bud and rachis scales. It is perhaps the most massive Neotropical species of the genus, with petioles up to 8 mm thick.