Alsophila mostellaria Lehnert, Amer. Fern J.

Lehnert, Marcus & Kessler, Michael, 2018, Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XX. Cyatheaceae, Phytotaxa 334 (2), pp. 118-134 : 121

Alsophila mostellaria Lehnert, Amer. Fern J. 93(4): 171. 2003.

Range: — Ecuador to Bolivia (CO, LP).

Ecology: —Widespread, rare but locally common, usually in small colonies in the understory of cloud forests; 1385–1450 m.

Notes: — Alsophila mostellaria is superficially similar to A. setosa Kaulf. from southeastern Brazil and adjacent areas. Both species have relatively thin trunks, skeletonized pinnae at the petiole base and may form colonies in the forest understory by means of subterranean stolons. Alsophila mostellaria is most common in the Amtotape-Huancabamba region of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, and occurs only sporadically in Bolivia. The two neotropical species of the Gymnosphaera clade ( A. capensis (L.f.) Sw., A. salvinii Hook. ) also have skeletonized pinnae and may occur in Bolivia as well. They are recognized by the lack of prickles, and should be sought where the microclimate provides constant cool temperatures and regular daily mists.