Cyatheaceae

Lehnert, Marcus & Kessler, Michael, 2018, Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XX. Cyatheaceae, Phytotaxa 334 (2), pp. 118-134 : 120

Key to Bolivian genera of Cyatheaceae

1 Petiole scales without differentiated margins, i.e. cells of the petiole scales (nearly) all of the same size and orientation (no distinct margin of smaller cells), but dark marginal teeth or setae may be present; petiole scales basifixed on ± truncate bases, never with indurated bases or with transitions to black prickles ................................................................................................... Sphaeropteris

– Petiole scales with differentiated margins, i.e. cells of the petiole scale margins smaller and with different orientation than those of the scale bodies, margins may be very narrow and reduced to one row of small teeth in the distal part of the scales, but are recognizable at the base ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2

2 Scales with at least one dark apical seta protruding from the scale center (supported by more than one cell row below); stem and petioles, if prickly, with black squaminate prickles (i.e., with sharp color contrast to the cortex, breaking off cleanly at this point in dried specimens) ................................................................................................................................................................. Alsophila

– Scales without setae, although sometimes small black teeth or long cellular processes of the margin occur (supported only by one cell row or less, i.e. several marginal teeth supported by the same cell); stem and petioles only with corticinate prickles (i.e., without color contrast towards the cortex, not breaking off cleanly in dried specimens) ........................................................... Cyathea