Asplenium danxiaense sp. nov. (Aspleniaceae, Aspleniineae), a new tetraploid fern species from Guangdong, China, based on morphological and molecular data

Researchers have identified a new tetraploid fern species, Asplenium danxiaense, within the A. coenobiale complex from the Danxia landform in Guangdong, China. This discovery was supported by detailed morphological and molecular analyses, including sequencing of five chloroplast markers and one nuclear marker. The new species is distinguished by its narrowly triangular to lanceolate scales, fertile segments that are scarce, and spores exceeding 50 µm in length. It also exhibits significant molecular differences from other species in the complex. The study combines cytological and phylogenetic data to confirm this novel taxonomic entity, contributing to our understanding of fern diversity in the region.

Xu, K.-W., Lin, C.-X., Guo, J.-Q., Zhou, X.-X., Liao, W.-B., & Mao, L.-F. (2022). Asplenium danxiaense sp. nov. (Aspleniaceae, Aspleniineae), a new tetraploid fern species from Guangdong, China, based on morphological and molecular data. European Journal of Taxonomy, 798, 162–173. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.798.1679