Tectaria estremerana is a rare species of fern known by the common name Puerto Rico halberd fern.[1] It is endemic to Puerto Rico. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.[2]

Tectaria estremerana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Polypodiineae
Family: Tectariaceae
Genus: Tectaria
Species:
T. estremerana
Binomial name
Tectaria estremerana
Proctor & A.M.Evans

This fern has fronds up to 80 centimetres (31 inches) long, each with a hairy, orange brown stipe. The rachis is hairy and the leaf is divided into a few elongated leaflets.[2]

When this plant was placed on the United States' Endangered Species List it was known from a population of 23 individuals in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The ferns are located about 200 metres (220 yards) away from the Arecibo Radio Telescope.[2] Later more individuals were discovered in Río Abajo Commonwealth Forest and in the municipality of Florida.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ Tectaria estremerana. USDA Plants Profile.
  2. ^ a b c USFWS. Determination of Endangered Status for Four Endemic Puerto Rican Ferns. Federal Register June 9, 1993.
  3. ^ USFWS. 5-Year Review for 3 Puerto Rican Ferns. January 2010.