Megalastrum aureisquama M.Kessler & A.R.Sm., Amer. Fern J.

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

Megalastrum aureisquama M.Kessler & A.R.Sm., Amer. Fern J. 96(1): 37, f. 1 H–K. 2006.

Range: — Peru, Bolivia (CO).

Ecology: —Locally fairly common; terrestrial in humid forests and ravines; 1000–1700(–3200) m.

Notes: —Rhizome and basal petiolar scales very broad, shiny, dark golden-brown, entire to finely serrate. Similar, but smaller scales are found on the rachises, costae, and costules. Most specimens below 2000 m are glabrous on the adaxial blade surfaces, whereas most high-elevation specimens have long hairs on the costules and veins. Related to M. subincisum , but that has much narrower, darker, and more strongly denticulate rhizome and petiolar scales. This species, M. alticola , and M. praetermissum are all variable and sometimes difficult to distinguish.