Status: Native
Synonyms:
Cheilanthes bonariensis (Willdenow) Proctor
Acrostichum bonariense Willdenow
Notholaena aurea (Poiret) Desvaux
Notholaena bonariensis (Willdenow) C. Christensen
Pellaea ferruginea Nees
Pteris aurea Poiret
Myriopteris aurea is rare in the Gila National Forest where it is at the most northern extent of its range, but it is the most abundant fern in west central Mexico. It easily mistaken for Astrolepis windhamii with which it is found growing together on rocky slopes. However, the abaxial surface of Astrolepis windhamii is covered in brown scales, while that of Myriopteris aurea is covered in dense white hairs. Also, the pinnae of Myriopteris aurea appear to have a short petiole, though technically the pinna is simply articulate.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Myriopteris aurea, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Myriopteris aurea, front, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Myriopteris aurea, articulate pinnae, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Myriopteris aurea, abaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Myriopteris aurea, abaxial surface closeup, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Back to the Index