Psilotum Sw., J. Bot.

Kessler, Michael & Smith, Alan R., 2017, Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. VI. Psilotaceae, Phytotaxa 327 (1), pp. 95-96 : 95

Psilotum Sw., J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 8, 109. 1801.

Psilotum is a very distinctive genus with dichotomously branched green stems, very inconspicuous and scale-like leaves (veinless enations), and 3-lobed, sessile synangia encasing many trilete spores. Its morphology is sufficiently unusual that it is not easily recognized as a fern. The two species have pantropical distributions, and there is significant variation in both recognized species. The sole Bolivian species often volunteers in greenhouses, and the gametophytes are underground, tuberous, and mycorrhizal.