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Psilotum Swartz. Whiskfern.

A genus of 2 species, tropical and warm temperate. Psilotum lacks roots and true leaves. Other than the Australasian genus Tmesipteris, Psilotum has no close living relatives, and the 2 genera have sometimes been considered to comprise a distinct class (Wagner 1977), though PPG I (2016) treats the family in Order Psilotales in Subclass Ophioglossidae. The stem is chlorophyllous. Fungal cells interspersed in the outer layers of the rhizome aid in the absorption of nutrients.

ID notes: The stiff, dichotomously-branched habit of Psilotum is unmistakable.

Ref: Kramer & Green (1990); Lellinger (1985); PPG I (2016); Thieret (1993) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (1993b); Wagner (1977); Zhang & Yatskievych in FoC (2013). Show full citations.

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Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend. Data for arrows not developed for genera and families which may have species only occurring outside the flora area.

image of plant© Alan Cressler: Psilotum nudum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Altanta, Fulton County, Georgia 2 by Alan Cressler | Psilotum nudum source | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Jay Horn | Psilotum nudum source | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Aidan Campos | Psilotum nudum source | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Aidan Campos | Psilotum nudum source | Original Image ⭷
image of plant© Alan Cressler: Psilotum nudum, Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area, Palm Beach County, Florida 1 by Alan Cressler | Psilotum nudum source | Original Image ⭷

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