Status: Native
Synonyms:
Acrostichum bonariense Willdenow
Notholaena aurea (Poiret) Desvaux
Notholaena bonariensis (Willdenow) C. Christensen
Pellaea ferruginea Nees
Pteris aurea Poiret
Cheilanthes bonariensis 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 Cheilanthes bonariensis is covered in dense white hairs. Also, the pinnae of Cheilanthes bonariensis appear to have a short petiole, though technically the pinna is simply articulate.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Cheilanthes bonariensis, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Cheilanthes bonariensis, front, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Cheilanthes bonariensis, articulate pinnae, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Cheilanthes bonariensis, abaxial surface, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
Cheilanthes bonariensis, abaxial surface closeup, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 17, 2008
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