Family Cyatheaceae Higher classification Cyatheaceae Order Tree ferns | Division Pteridophyta Scientific name Cyathea Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Cyathea cooperi, Cyathea australis, Silver fern, Cyathea spinulosa, Flying Spider‑monkey tree fern | ||
Plant id lacy tree fern cyathea cooperi
Cyathea is a genus of tree ferns, the type genus of the fern order Cyatheales.
Contents
- Plant id lacy tree fern cyathea cooperi
- Bowdens fern cyathea brownii
- Description
- Classification
- Uncertain or dubious taxa
- References
The genus name Cyathea is derived from the Greek kyatheion, meaning "little cup", and refers to the cup-shaped sori on the underside of the fronds.
Bowdens fern cyathea brownii
Description
The species of Cyathea are mostly terrestrial ferns, usually with a single tall stem. Rarely, the trunk may be branched or creeping. Many species also develop a fibrous mass of roots at the base of the trunk.
The genus has a pantropical distribution, with over 470 species. They grow in habitats ranging from tropical rain forests to temperate woodlands.
Classification
The classification below follows the findings of Conant et al. in 1996. Conant concluded, based on molecular cpDNA and morphological evidence, that a system of three clades – Alsophila, Cyathea and Sphaeropteris, whereby Alsophila is most basal and Cyathea and Sphaeropteris are derived sister groups – is the most accurate reflection of evolutionary lineages within the Cyatheaceae.
Uncertain or dubious taxa
