Flat Fork Fern
CR

Flat Fork Fern

Psilotum complanatum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilotum_complanatum

Overview

Psilotum complanatum, the flatfork fern, is a rare herbaceous epiphytic fern ally in the genus Psilotum. There is some evidence that it might be a true fern that has lost some typically fern-like characteristics. Morphologically, the plant is simple, lacking leaves and roots, and having hanging stems with dichotomous branching, which lack developed leaves but have minute scales.

The stems and branches have protostele, with a triangular-shaped core of xylem. The scales are arranged in two rows along the flat stems and branches. The stems are broadly triangular in cross section and 5 mm wide.

The branches are 1.5 to 2 mm wide. P. complanatum grows 10 to 75 cm long and stems branch in pairs a number of times up their length and are covered with brownish colored hair-like rhizoids.

Small...

The Flatfork Fern faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while its specialized habitat requirements limit opportunities for natural recolonization.

Threat summary

Habitat

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Flat Fork Fern classified as Critically Endangered?
Flat Fork Fern is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Flatfork Fern faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while its specialized habitat requirements limit opportunities for natural recolonization.
Where does Flat Fork Fern live?
Flat Fork Fern occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Flat Fork Fern?
The main threats to Flat Fork Fern are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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