Family

Polypodiaceae

Nomenclature

Lemmaphyllum carnosum (J.Sm. ex Hook.) C.Presl, Epimel. Bot.: 158. 1851 [‘1849’]; C.Chr., Dansk Bot. Ark. 6(3): 49, pl. 5, f. 7a–d. 1929; Ching, Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol. 4: 103. 1933; Tardieu & C.Chr., Fl. Indo-Chine 7(2): 462. 1941; Tagawa & K.Iwats., SouthE. Asian Stud. 5: 51. 1967; Tagawa & K.Iwats., Fl. Thailand 3: 518, f. 52.2 & 52.3. 1989; Hovenkamp, Fl. Males., Ser. II, Ferns and Fern Allies 3: 75. 1998; Boonkerd & Pollawatn, Pterid. Thailand: 273. 2000. – Drymoglossum carnosum J.Sm. ex Hook., Gen. Fil.: pl. 78A. 1841; Bedd., Handb. Ferns Brit. India: 411, f. 243. 1883. – Type: Wallich 138 (BM, US), Nepal.

Microsorum sp.: Holttum, Dansk Bot. Ark. 20: 20. 1961, p.p.

Description

Rhizome long creeping, slender, about 1 mm diam., bearing fronds more than 2 mm apart, densely scaly throughout; scales ovate, each with a long tail, the ovate basal portion about 1 mm in diameter, pale brown with thin-walled cells, the central portion continuous to the tail, up to 2 cm or more in length, with thick-walled long cells, dark brown. Fronds simple, dimorphic. Sterile fronds: stipes very short, up to 5(–20) mm long, densely scaly at base; laminae ovate to ovate-oblong, acuminate at apex, cuneately attenuate at base, (1–)3–8 by (1–)1.5–3 cm; coriaceous, midrib distinct, veins more or less visible, copiously anastomosing, the margin cartilaginous. Fertile fronds: stipes 3–6 cm long, slender; laminae up to 10 cm long, about 5 mm broad. Sporangia covering the whole undersurface of laminae except midrib and margin .

Distribution in Thailand

NORTHERN: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai; NORTH-EASTERN: Loei.

Distribution in Laos

Vientiane.

Wider Distribution

Himalayas to SW China (Yunnan & Guangxi) and N Vietnam.

Ecology

On branches of tree trunks usually in dense mossy forests at medium or high altitudes.

Proposed IUCN Conservation Assessment

Least Concern (LC). This species is widespread and not under any known threat.

Voucher specimens - Thailand

Middleton et al. 5038, Chiang Mai, Doi Ang Khang (E); Middleton et al. 5158 & 5162, Loei, Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (E).

Voucher specimens - Laos

Vidal 5447A, Vientiane, Ban Kai So (P).