Moranopteris nimbata (Jenman) R.Y. Hirai & J. Prado. Common name: West Indian Dwarf Polypody. Habitat: On ceiling of grotto in spray cliff of waterfall in humid gorge. Distribution: West Indies (Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola); disjunct in Macon County, NC.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: Sporophytes (juvenile only) have been found at only a single site in North America, in Macon County, NC. Gametophytes (and/or sporophytes) may be present at other spray cliffs in the escarpment gorges of sw. NC or adjacent SC and GA and should be sought. See Moran (1998) for an interesting discussion and overview of independent fern gametophytes in e. North America.
Synonymy ⓘ: = K4, Hirai et al (2011); Polypodium nimbatum Jenman; = Grammitis nimbata (Jenman) Proctor — FNA2, NS, POWO, RAB; = Micropolypodium nimbatum (Jenman) A.R.Sm. — Smith (1992). Basionym: Polypodium nimbatum Jenman 1886
Links to other floras: = Grammitis nimbata - FNA2
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: OBL (name change)
Heliophily ⓘ: 1
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© Alan Cressler: Moranopteris nimbata, Dry Falls, Cullasaja River, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, North Carolina 3 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: Moranopteris nimbata, Dry Falls, Cullasaja River, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, North Carolina 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
No horticultural data found for this taxon.