Family

Psilotaceae

Nomenclature

Psilotum complanatum Sw., Syn. Fil: 188, 414, t. 4, f. 5. 1806; Tagawa & K.Iwats., Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 25: 16. 1971; Tagawa & K.Iwats., Fl. Thailand 3: 6, f. 1.7–1.8. 1979; Boonkerd & Pollawatn, Pterid. Thailand: 63. 2000; Kiew, Fl. Pen. Malaysia, Ser. I, Ferns & Lycoph. 1: 88. 2010. – Type: Herb. Willdenow s.n., America (holotype B).

Description

Description from Kiew, Fl. Pen. Malaysia, Ser. I, Ferns & Lycoph. 1: 88. 2010.
Pendent epiphyte. Rhizomes creeping, 0.5–1.5 mm diameter. Aerial stems and branches flattened with a distinct midrib, usually 20–100 cm long, exceptionally to 2 m long, lower unbranched part (9–)22–25(–36) cm long and (2–)3–4 mm wide, upper branches (13–)35(60) cm long, 2–3(–4) min wide, synangia inset laterally giving the stem a jagged appearance, appendages lateral and alternate, 1–2 mm long. Synangia 1(–3) mm diameter, yellowish green becoming yellow when mature .

Distribution in Thailand

PENINSULAR: Surat Thani.

Wider Distribution

Pantropical.

Ecology

Epiphytic on tree trunks in light shade.

Proposed IUCN Conservation Assessment

Least Concern (LC). This species is widespread and not under any known threat.  It has been given an assessment of near Threatened in the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia.