Elaphoglossum nidiforme Mickel, Fieldiana, Bot.

Kessler, Michael, Moran, Robbin C., Mickel, John T., Matos, Fernando B. & Smith, Alan R., 2018, Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XXXV. Dryopteridaceae, Phytotaxa 353 (1), pp. 448-450 : 448-450

Elaphoglossum nidiforme Mickel, Fieldiana, Bot. , n.s., 27: 148. 1991. ( Fig. 40G–L )

Range: — Ecuador to Bolivia (CO, LP).

Ecology: —Uncommon; epiphytic in humid forests; 700–2000 m.

Notes: —Although it resembles some members of sect. Elaphoglossum , molecular phylogenetic evidence places this species in sect. Squamipedia ( Rouhan et al. 2007, Vasco et al. 2015). The thin, light orange to brown scales on petioles and costal bases, as well as the echinulate spores, are typical of sect. Squamipedia ( Moran et al. 2007). Elaphoglossum nidiforme is a nest-forming epiphyte, with short-petiolate leaves arranged in a basket or funnel that captures falling leaf litter and other debris from the canopy.

Figures

FIGURE 40. A–F. Elaphoglossum lechlerianum (Beck 28430, NY). A. Habit. B. Rhizome scale and detail, C. Sterile blade base and petiole. D. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. E. Blade trichomidium. F. Rachis scales. G–L. Elaphoglossum nidiforme (Lehnert & Kessler 1316, NY). G. Habit. H. Rhizome scale and detail. J. Sterile blade, abaxial surface. K. Blade trichomidium. L. Rachis scale. M–P. Elaphoglossum luridum (Kessler et al. 8805, NY, and Nee 36007, NY). M. Habit. N. Rhizome scale. O. Petiolar scale. P. Sterile blade, abaxial surface.—Scale bars for habit = 5 cm, all other scale bars = 1 mm.