Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Key to the genus Pellaea in the Gila National Forest


The members of the genus Pellaea are arid adapted ferns with marginal sporangia partially obscured by the recurved edges of the pinnules. They are usually found among rocks and on cliffs. There are four species in the Gila National Forest.

1. Terminal pinnules of mature fern round to ovate, mostly less than twice as long as wide.....Pellaea intermedia.
1. Terminal pinnules of mature fern more linear, mostly several times as long as wide.....2.
2. Lowest pinnae on frond have more than seven pinnules.....Pellaea truncata.
2. Lowest pinnae on fronds have less then seven pinnules.....3.
3. Habitat receives direct sunlight most of the day; apex of terminal pinnule segments mucronate;
pinnules strongly recurved; pinnules at end of costae usually less than 2cm in length.....Pellaea wrightiana.
3. Habitat in shade much of the day; apex of terminal pinnule segments not mucronate; pinnules somewhat recurved;
pinnules at end of costae usually over 2cm in length.....Pellaea atropurpurea.


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