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First report of Cheilanthes microphylla (Sw.) Sw. (Pteridaceae) from Lara State, Venezuela

Abstract:

First report of Cheilanthes microphylla (Sw.) Sw. (Pteridaceae) from Lara State, Venezuela Ferns exhibit an undisputable ornamental value, other species are used in popular medicine, and some species are considered as environment disturbance indicators; even others can constitute in weeds hard to eradicate. Ferns are commonly considered as associated to humid and shadowy environments; however, some species adapt to sun exposed and water restricted areas, such as Cheilanthes, whose species grow predominantly in semi-arid areas with stony soils. This work aimed to improve knowledge about pteridologic flora from Lara State, Venezuela. Several botanical explorations were carried out in different locations at Baragua sierra, Urdaneta municipality of the State. Cheilanthes microphylla (Sw.) Sw. (Pteridaceae) was found as the unique species from this group growing in stony slopes in a xerophytic forest from El Ralo town. This species shows 2-pinnate-pinnatifida frond with discontinued indusia between lobes. This constitutes the first report of this species from Lara State, and also it is the first record of a Pteridophyta species from Urdaneta municipality, representing a significant contribution to the flora from this region, which has been botanically poorly explored so far.