| Elaphoglossum (Dryopteridaceae) is one of the most diverse genera of ferns, yet it is noteworthy for lacking monographic studies for any of its subgroups. This study was an attempt to find clades of convenient size for monographic study within Elaphoglossum section Lepidoglossa, one of the largest sections of the genus. To do that the phylogeny of the section was investigated using three chloroplast markers. These molecular phylogenetic analyses identified 13 clades, two of which were selected for monographic revision: the Elaphoglossum ciliatum group and Elaphoglossum subsection Muscosa. The Elaphoglossum ciliatum group turned out to have nine species characterized by laminar scales reduced to minute dots, spiny perispores, and resinous rhizomes. Elaphoglossum subsection Muscosa turned out to have 15 species characterized by flat scales with acicular marginal cells, scaly laminae, and spores about twice as long as other species of Elaphoglossum. Besides constituting a framework from which to choose morphologically recognizable clades of convenient size for monographic study, the phylogeny provided important new insights into the systematics and taxonomy of Elaphoglossum section Lepidoglossa. |
