Alsophila doctersii, synonym Cyathea doctersii,[1] is a species of tree fern endemic to Sumatra, where it grows in forest at an altitude of approximately 150 m. The trunk is erect and 2–3 m tall. Fronds are bi- or tripinnate and 2–3 m long. The stipe is covered with scattered flat, brown scales and some hairs. Sori occur near the fertile pinnule midvein and are covered by thin, brown indusia that are scale-like in appearance.[2]

Alsophila doctersii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Species:
A. doctersii
Binomial name
Alsophila doctersii
(Alderw.) R.M.Tryon[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Cyathea doctersii Alderw.

A. doctersii appears to be most closely related to Alsophila javanica. Large and Braggins (2004) note that it may in fact be of hybrid origin between A. javanica and a member of the Alsophila latebrosa complex.[2]

The specific epithet doctersii commemorates botanist Willem Marius Docters van Leeuwen (1880-1960), who collected numerous plant species in Asia.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila doctersii". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Vol. 8. Archived from the original on 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  2. ^ a b c Large, Mark F. & Braggins, John E. (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. p. 126. ISBN 978-0-88192-630-9.