Lomariopsidaceae

Abstract

Terrestrial, epilithic, scandent, or epiphytic, small to rather large ferns with short- to long-creeping (or -scandent), less often erect stem bearing basifixed or narrowly peltate, clathrate or non-clathrate scales that are often marginally toothed or ciliate; stele most often strongly dorsiventral, occasionally radial, dictyostelic. Leaves close to remote, continuous or in one genus mostly articulate to phyllopodia; petiole usually well-developed, sometimes winged, never dark-sclerotic and polished, variously scaly or glabrescent, with several vascular bundles in a U-arrangement, the adaxial ones larger and with hooked xylem strands; adaxial face of petiole usually with a median groove, sometimes with further grooves. Lamina simple, lobed to pinnatifid, or simply pinnate, rarely bipinnate, pedate, or dichotomously compound; pinnae or pinnules (if any) often articulate at base. Hairs, if present, very small and usually glandular; scales often present on leaves. Lamina with conform terminal pinna or with gradually reduced and confluent upper divisions; dissection pattern often anadromous at base, catadromous or isodromous upward. Rachis like the petiole, not rarely winged. Basal pinnae occasionally basitonically enlarged. Veins free, simple or forked, or variously anastomosing with or without free included veinlets.