Cyatheaceae
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Tree fern family (Cyathea)
Cyatheaceae
ヘゴ科
The largest family of tree ferns, widely distributed in tropical to subtropical regions. Approximately 600 species are known, centered on the genus Cyathea. In Japan, species such as Cyathea spinulosa grow natively in Amami-Oshima, Okinawa, and the Ogasawara Islands, serving as iconic plants of subtropical forests.
Key Characteristics
- ●Arborescent (trunk erect, reaching several to over ten meters in height)
- ●Large, 2- to 3-pinnate compound fronds
- ●Sori enclosed by cup-shaped (cyathiform) indusia
- ●Homosporous
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Cyatheales > Cyatheaceae
Divergence Era
Jurassic to Cretaceous (ca. 150 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
ヘゴ属（Cyathea）アルソフィラ属（Alsophila）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Arborescence enabling access to the canopy layer (convergent evolution)
- ・Evolution of cup-shaped indusia (cyathiform indusium)
Plants in Tree fern family (Cyathea) on this site
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