Psilotaceae
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Whisk fern family
Psilotaceae
マツバラン科
A distinctive group of ferns lacking true leaves (or with extremely reduced leaves), where stems perform photosynthesis. Consists of only two genera: Psilotum and Tmesipteris. Molecular phylogenetics has revealed a close relationship to Ophioglossaceae.
Key Characteristics
- ●Lacking true leaves (leaves scale-like or vestigial)
- ●Stems dichotomously branching, green and photosynthetic
- ●Sporangia fused into 2- to 3-chambered synangium
- ●Homosporous
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Ophioglossopsida > Psilotales > Psilotaceae
Divergence Era
Devonian (approx. 380 million years ago onward)
Representative Genera
マツバラン属（Psilotum）ヒレワラビ属（Tmesipteris）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Loss or non-acquisition of true leaves (leaf reduction)
- ・Specialization for photosynthesis via stems
Plants in Whisk fern family on this site
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