Pecluma dulcis

Pecluma dulcis is a species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It has a widespread native distribution from Mexico to Southern America.^[1] Under the synonym Polypodium quitense, it was regarded as endemic to Ecuador and threatened by habitat loss.^[2]

Pecluma dulcis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Polypodiophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Suborder:	Polypodiineae
Family:	Polypodiaceae
Genus:	Pecluma
Species:	P. dulcis
Binomial name
Pecluma dulcis (Poir.) F.C.Assis & Salino[1]
Synonyms[1]
Chrysopteris dulcis (Poir.) Fée Goniophlebium dulce (Poir.) Moore Polypodium dissimile Griseb. Polypodium dulce Poir. Polypodium endresii Baker Polypodium glycirhiza Fée Polypodium quitense Baker Polypodium sororium Humb.& Bonpl.ex Willd.

Description

Gametophytes

The gametophyte of P. dulcis is cordiform (heart-shaped), becoming elongated as it grows, and sometimes branches. Unicellular marginal hairs are present. Orange and orange-brown unbranched rhizoids usually occur on the distal portion of the gametophyte but may appear elsewhere in larger specimens. Archegonia grow along the midrib of the elongated gametophyte or close to the apical notch (in the top of the "heart" shape). Antheridia appear mixed with them when they occur.^[3]