Selaginella flexuosa Spring

Matos, Fernando B., Bohn, Amabily & Labiak, Paulo H., 2020, The ferns and lycophytes of Reserva Natural Guaricica, Antonina, Paraná, Brazil, Check List 16 (1), pp. 183-206 : 193

Selaginella flexuosa Spring

Figures 3B, 4C

Examined material. BRAZIL • 3 specimens; Trilha do Gervásio ; 25°14′39″S, 048°39′59″W; alt. 50 m; 21 Dec. 2004; F.B. Matos & P.H. Labiak 166 leg.; CEPEC122125, MBM333141, RB691218 • 1 specimen; Morro do Quei- mado; 25°23′10″S, 048°42′19″W; alt. 300 m; 12 Jun. 2019; F.B. Matos et al. 2638 leg.; UPCB44416 .

Identification. Characterized by dichotomous, usually prostrate, non-articulate stems with 4 ranks of leaves: two lateral rows of larger spreading leaves and two rows of appressed and ascending median leaves on upper side of stem. Sporangia globose, opening by a slit across the top, arranged in quadrangular strobili located terminally on axes. Plants heterosporous, the megaspores four per sporangium, white, the microspores numerous per sporangium, orange. Sellaginella flexuosa differs from other species of the genus in the area by oblong to elliptic lateral leaves, aristate median leaves, and a somewhat rugose texture of leaves adaxially.

Distribution and habitat. Neotropical. Terrestrial or rarely epiphytic in forests.

Class Polypodiopsida Cronquist, Takht. & W.Zimm.