Morphology and anatomy of the rhizome and frond in the African species of Polystichum (Pteropsida: Dryopteridaceae)

Abstract

The genetic circumscription of the polystichoid ferns within the Dryopteridaceae and their relationships has been and still is much debated. Although floristic accounts for Polystichum are available for many parts of the world, its morphology and evolutionary trends within the genus are still poorly understood. In this study, primarily based on the Polystichum species from Africa and neighbouring islands, the morphology and anatomy of the rhizome and frond are addressed. Several species from other genera within the Dryopteridaceae are used for comparison, to gain a better understanding of genetic affinities and evolution in this family.