Pteridaceae
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Brake fern family
Pteridaceae
イノモトソウ科
A diverse family centered on the genus Pteris (brake ferns). In Japan, species such as Pteris multifida and P. cretica are commonly found along forest edges and near human settlements. Sori are arranged continuously or intermittently along the frond margins, covered by false indusia.
Key Characteristics
- ●Sori arranged linearly along the frond margins
- ●False indusia (reflexed leaf margins) covering the sori
- ●Fronds 1- to 4-pinnate
- ●Homosporous
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Pteridaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (ca. 100 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
イノモトソウ属（Pteris）ワカナシダ属（Pellaea）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Establishment of spore protection through false indusia (reflexed leaf margins)
- ・Adaptation to rocky and arid habitats (Cheilanthes and allies)
Plants in Brake fern family on this site
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