Taxonomic revision of the Asplenium wrightii complex (Aspleniaceae) with reinstatement of A. alatulum and A. subcrenatum

Abstract

The Asplenium wrightii complex is morphologically variable and difficult in species delimitation. Owing to lack of comprehensive sampling in phylogenetic studies, the taxonomy of this complex remains unresolved. Based on extensive field observations, specimen examination and our recent molecular data, the present study aims to clarify the identities of three species of Asplenium in this complex from Asia. Our study revealed that A. alatulum and A. subcrenatum, previously treated as synonyms of A. wrightii, should be reinstated. A taxonomic revision of the three species, including their type information, detailed descriptions, voucher specimens, distribution, ecology, as well as taxonomic notes, is carried out.

Asplenium guodanum (Aspleniaceae), a distinct new fern species from northern Guangdong, China, based on morphological data and molecular phylogeny

“…by Lin and Viane (2013) , although they noted the wide range of morphological variation of members in this series suggesting distinct, although artificial, groups. Recently, Xu et al (2021) provided a taxonomic revision of the A. wrightii complex reinstating A.…”

“…2 ), while those of A. subcrenatum are reddish-brown ( Xu et al 2021 ). The new species can be distinguished from A.…”

“… wrightii by having small size, few pairs of pinnae, crenate marginal teeth, lower pinnae obviously reduced and foraminate-alate perispore (Fig. 2 , Xu et al 2021 ).…”

“…Based on these morphological characteristics, it is clearly a member of the A. wrightii complex ( Xu et al 2021 ). After comparing with species in the A.…”

Micromorphology of fern spores as a tool in taxonomy of East-Central European species from the family Aspleniaceae (Polypodiopsida)

“…Many species are also subdivided into taxa of lower ranks (e.g., Danihelka et al, 2012;Didukh et al, 2000;Ekrt & Štech, 2008;Hassler, 2023; https://floraweb.de/; Jäger & Werner, 2005;Mosyakin & Fedoronchuk, 1999). e systematics of the family Aspleniaceae is very complicated and still raises doubts (Xu et al, 2020(Xu et al, , 2021. In the late 20th century, 2 approaches to classification of this group were developed: (1) the family includes only one genus Asplenium, consisting of all the closely related species (e.g., Kramer & Viane, 1990;POWO, 2023), and (2) Asplenium is distinguished from several so-called satellite genera (e.g., Schneider et al, 2004).…”