The identity of polypodium gyroflexum (= Pleopeltis gyroflexa, Comb. Nov.-Polypodiaceae)

Abstract

Polypodium gyroflexum has been a forgotten name since 1940. It is, in fact, an earlier name to a fern recently known as Pleopeltis repanda. Here, I provide the new combination, lectotypification, a detailed characterization, and illustrations for Pleopeltis gyroflexa, comb. nov., plus the synonymization of Pleopeltis repanda. Pleopeltis gyroflexa is known from two populations located ca. 2500-3000 km from each other, and they show some slight morphological differences. The gap between them comprises Amazon forest, the Amazon River, croplands, disturbed areas, and semi-desert vegetation (Caatinga). A vegetation map with their distribution data is also provided. © 2014, American Fern Society.