Elaphoglossum auralolitae, a New Species of Elaphoglossum Sect. Lepidoglossa (Dryopteridaceae) from Guatemala

Abstract

We describe Elaphoglossum auralolitae, a new species from southwestern Guatemala. The new species belongs to the Elaphoglossum petiolatum complex, in Elaphoglossum section Lepidoglossa, one of the largest sections within the genus. Elaphoglossum auralolitae is characterized by petioles and laminae densely scaly, with large scales including those of costae and margins; the presence of resinous dots on the petioles (mostly obscured by the scales) and on the abaxial laminar surface; and spores with spiny perispores. Only a dozen collections are known of this species so far, all of them from the Sierra Madre mountains in southwestern Guatemala. The first collection of this species was made in 1938 and the most recent was in 1992. We provide a description, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution, phenology, and illustrations for this new species.