Dryopteridaceae
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Shield fern family
Dryopteridaceae
オシダ科
A large family including many genera such as Dryopteris (wood ferns), Cyrtomium, and Arachniodes. One of the most species-rich fern families in Japan, growing in diverse habitats centered on montane forest floors. Sori are typically round, covered by reniform indusia.
Key Characteristics
- ●Sori round (covered by reniform to orbicular indusia)
- ●Scales well-developed (especially at stipe base)
- ●Fronds 1- to 4-pinnate
- ●Rhizomes erect to ascending (often caespitose)
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Dryopteridaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous to Paleogene (ca. 80 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
オシダ属（Dryopteris）ヤブソテツ属（Cyrtomium）カナワラビ属（Polystichum）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Stable retention of reniform indusia and extensive speciation
- ・Promotion of speciation through polyploidization
- ・Development of evergreenness enabling dominance on winter forest floors
Plants in Shield fern family on this site
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