TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993)	previous taxon | next taxon Jepson Interchange (more information)
	©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California

ASPLENIACEAE

SPLEENWORT FAMILY

Alan R. Smith and Thomas Lemieux

Rhizome-scale cells with adjacent walls dark brown to blackish, external clear
Leaf: petiole in transverse section with 1 X-shaped or 2 back-to-back C-shaped vascular strands; segment veins generally free
Sporangia in linear to oblong sori along veins; indusia linear, opening away from veins; stalk cells in 1 row; spores elliptic, winged
Genera in family: ± 10 genera (limits disputed), 650 species (most in Asplenium): worldwide, especially tropical.

ASPLENIUM

SPLEENWORT

Plants in soil or on rocks; rhizome generally short-creeping to erect
Leaves often tufted, generally glabrous; 1° axis often ± winged; blade simple or 1–many-pinnate, rarely forked; 1° leaflets often asymmetric, upward side more developed
Sporangia in linear sori; indusia persistent, covering sori when young, later reflexed
Etymology: (Greek: spleen)