Status: Native
Synonyms:
Cheilanthes fendleri T. Moore
Myriopteris fendleri is our most common Lip Fern. It prefers north facing slopes with some shade, but can be found among rocks elsewhere. It is glabrous on the adaxial (top) surface, and has brown scales without cilia on the costae. The Myriopteris ferns are marvelously adapted to an arid climate. They can dessicate to an astounding degree and then rehydrate fully when it rains. In drought conditions, the pinnae roll up exposing the scales on the abaxial (bottom) surface. Less well appreciated is the fact that Myriopteris fendleri is also well-adapted to cold and snow. It survives a snow cover and temperatures well below freezing.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Myriopteris fendleri, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Knight Mtn., May 9, 2007
Myriopteris fendleri, pinna glabrous and costal scales not ciliate (note false indusia), photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, Oct. 16, 2007
Myriopteris fendleri, macro of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
Myriopteris fendleri, closeup of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
Myriopteris fendleri, macro of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
Myriopteris fendleri, adapted to cold and snow, photo Russ Kleinman, Karen Blisard and Benita Cook, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, December 25, 2009
Myriopteris fendleri, 4x macro of abaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, February 1, 2010
Myriopteris fendleri, 100x photomicrograph of abaxial scale, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, February 1, 2010
Myriopteris fendleri, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, August 22, 2012
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