Pteris podophylla Sw. is a widespread species found in middle elevation forests throughout much of the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and the Greater Antilles to Bolivia and Brazil. It is one of a group of species that are characterized by their very large size (to 3m tall) and tripartite, often pedate leaf arrangement. Pteris tripartita Sw. is a very similar species that can be distinguished by its V-shaped (vs. U-shaped in P. podophylla) sinuses on its laminar segments and occurrence at lower elevations. At the site where I collected this plant, it was co-occurring with another large tripartitely leaved species, Pteris livida Mett., with which it formed a hybrid.

 

Collection Data (W. Testo Testo 634)

Classification & Common Names

General Collection Data
  • Date: 10-VII-2014
  • Primary Collector & #: W. Testo Testo 634
  • Collection Party: WL Testo, JE Watkins, J Pittermann, R Momin
  • Det. History: WL Testo, July 2014
  • Habitat:
  • Habit:
  • Specimen Locations: VT
Additional Comments

Terrestrial in wet ravine in disturbed woods.

Collection Location
  • Location: – – – San José – Costa Rica.
  • Coordinates: 9.549N, 83.803W
  • Elevation: 2250m