Selaginella germinans (Selaginellaceae), a new articulate species from Chapada dos Veadeiros region in the State of Goiás, Brazil

Researchers have identified Selaginella germinans, a new articulate species of fern ally, endemic to the Chapada dos Veadeiros region in Brazil's Cerrado biome. This discovery highlights unique morphological traits, including dorsal rhizophores, flagelliform stems, and flattened buds or gemmae at branch apices, which are proposed as an adaptive vegetative reproductive mechanism for survival under adverse conditions like fires and droughts. The study employs Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to illustrate key features such as stem sections, leaves, and megaspores, while also addressing taxonomic affinity, habitat specifics, and conservation implications. Published in Botany Letters, this work contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in the Cerrado Protected Areas, particularly within UNESCO-listed sites like Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks.

Valdespino, I. A., López, C. A., & Ceballos, J. (2018). Selaginella germinans (Selaginellaceae), a new articulate species from Chapada dos Veadeiros region in the State of Goiás, Brazil. Botany Letters, 165(3-4), 487–493. https://doi.org/10.1080/23818107.2018.1496849