Classification
Class
Polypodiopsida
Subclass
Polypodiidae
Order
Polypodiales Link
Family
Dryopteridaceae Herter
Genus
Dryopteris Adans.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Dryopteris inaequalis (Schltdl.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2, 813 (1891)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Aspidium inaequale Schltdl., Adumbr. Fil. 23, t. 12 (1825)
Lectotype (selected by Pichi Sermolli 1984): in Promontorio Bonae Spei [Cape of Good Hope], J.L.L. Mund & L. Maire, B 20 0044699 (image!)
Etymology:
From the Latin inaequalis (unequal-sided), a reference to the slightly enlarged basal basiscopic secondary pinnae in this species.
 Recognition

Dryopteris inaequalis has a short-creeping rhizome and 2-pinnate-pinnnatifid to 3-pinnate, ovate laminae. The basal basiscopic secondary pinnae are slightly enlarged. The lamina surfaces are glabrous, but there are minute scales along the costae. The sori are arranged in one row either side of the costae, and the indusia are reniform and either glabrous or with glands on the margins or surfaces (Crouch et al. 2011).

 Distribution

North Island: Northland.

Altitudinal range: c. 10 m.

Collected once as a spontaneous occurrence in a garden in Kerikeri.

Occurs naturally in southern Africa (Roux 2009).

Dryopteris inaequalis distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2020 CC BY 4.0
Dryopteris inaequalis distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2020 CC BY 4.0
 Habitat

Recorded as self-sown near cultivated parent plants.

 Biostatus
Exotic
 First Record

Heenan et al. (2004). Voucher AK 284000, 2003.

 Bibliography
Brownsey, P.J.; Perrie, L.R. 2021: Dryopteridaceae. In: Breitwieser, I. (ed.) Flora of New Zealand — Ferns and Lycophytes. Fascicle 31. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Crouch, N.R.; Klopper, R.R.; Burrows, J.E.; Burrows, S.M. 2011: Ferns of southern Africa. A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Heenan, P.B.; de Lange, P.J.; Cameron, E.K.; Ogle, C.C.; Champion, P.D. 2004: Checklist of dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes naturalised or casual in New Zealand: additional records 2001–2003. New Zealand Journal of Botany 42: 797–814.
Kuntze, C.E.O. 1891: Revisio Generum Plantarum. Vol. 2. Arthur Felix, Leipzig.
Pichi Sermolli, R.E.G. 1984: A new species of Dryopteris from Tropical East Africa. Webbia 37: 329–339.
Roux, J.P. 2009: Synopsis of the Lycopodiophyta and Pteridophyta of Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands. Strelitzia 23: 1–296.
Schlechtendal, D.F.L. von 1825: Adumbrationes Plantarum. Fasc. 2. Dümmler, Berlin.