Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Cheilanthes 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 rachis. The Cheilanthes 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.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Cheilanthes fendleri, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Knight Mtn., May 9, 2007
Cheilanthes fendleri, pinna glabrous and costal scales not ciliate (note false indusia), photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, Oct. 16, 2007
Cheilanthes fendleri, macro of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
Cheilanthes fendleri, closeup of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
Cheilanthes fendleri, macro of adaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Gomez Peak, Nov. 14, 2008
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