About Physematium neomexicanum (Windham) Li Bing Zhang, N.T.Lu & X.F.Gao
Nomenclature and Stem Characteristics
Physematium neomexicanum (Windham) Li Bing Zhang, N.T.Lu & X.F.Gao has stems that are largely covered by persistent scale bases and dead leaf bases.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves reach up to 30 cm in length, are pinnate with pinnatifid pinnules (leaflets) that bear scattered hairs.
Indusium Structure
The indusia of this fern is made up of narrow, thread-like segments.
Spore Size
Its spores average approximately 50 μm in diameter.
Species Range
The core of this species’ range spans Coahuila, Nuevo León, Zacatecas, New Mexico, southeastern Utah, Arizona, western Texas, and southern Colorado; isolated populations have also been recorded in Oklahoma and South Dakota.
Habitat
It typically grows in cracks on cliff sides, on top of rocks, and similar rocky microhabitats.
