PTERIDACEAE
(Maidenhair fern Family)
Cheilanthes bonariensis (Willdenow) Proctor
Golden lip fern
( Apogamous triploid)
This fern superficially resembles Astrolepis sinuata, but its yellowish cast is quite different from the deep green of A.sinuata. In addition, the abaxial surface of the pinnae is covered with a pale, dense tomentum rather than the coarse scales seen in Astroplepis. Ch. bonariensis is a peculiar member of this genus. It has recently been reassigned from the genus Notholaena. Its pinnae do not display the "beaded" appearance of most other members of the group in New Mexico.
Eighty Mountain, Pinos Altos Range, Grant County 23 January 2005
Eighty Mountain, Pinos Altos Range, Grant County 23 January 2005