Blechnum

Abstract: In Chilean evergreen temperate forest, fern species of the genus Blechnum occur in diverse microhabitats ranging from large gaps to heavily shaded understoreys. We hypothesised that differences in the ecological breadth of three co-occurring Blechnum species would be associated with differences in magnitude of ecophysiological responses to light availability. We quantified the field distribution of each species in relation to diffuse light availability (% canopy openness), and measured in situ variation in photosynthetic capacity (A), dark respiration (R (d)) and specific leaf area (SLA) across the light gradient. The response of SLA of each species was also evaluated in a common garden in two light conditions (understorey and forest edge). The three Blechnum species differed significantly in the range of light environments occupied (breadth: B. chilense > B. hastatum > B. mochaenum). Despite significant interspecific differences in average A and R (d), the response of these traits to light availability did not differ among species. However, there was significant interspecific variation in both the mean value and the plasticity of SLA to light availability, the species with least ecological breadth (B. mochaenum) showing a flatter reaction norm (lower response) than its two congeners. This pattern was also found in the common garden experiment. The adjustment of leaf morphology (SLA) to light availability appears to be an important mechanism of acclimation in these Blechnum species. The narrow range of light environments occupied by B. mochaenum may be at least partly attributable to its inability to display phenotypic plasticity in SLA to changes in light availability.

Abstract: In this work we present a floristic survey of the pteridophytes from the Vila Velha State Park, Ponta Grossa, Parana. Vila Velha presents an area of 3,803.28 ha, altitudes varying from 800 to 1,100 m and it is mainly represented by natural grasslands surrounding Araucaria forest' spots and the peculiar sandstone formations arised. We have found 152 species, distributed in 54 genera, being Asplenium (11 spp.), Blechnum and Thelypteris (10 spp. each), Pecluma, Polypodium and Trichomanes (7 spp. each) the richest genera. One hundred species were found in the forests, 47 in the grasslands and 60 in the sandstone formations. Twenty-seven species are restricted to Brazil, of which 14 are endemic to the southeast and south Brazil. Special mention is made to Ctenitis bigarellae Schwartsburd et al., Elaphoglossum langsdorffii (Hook. & Grev.) T. Moore, Alsophila capensis subsp. polypodioides (Sw.) Conant and Blechnum australe subsp. auriculatum (Cav.) de la Sota. Identification keys, comments and list of specimens are also presented.

Abstract: - (Cryptogams of “Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga”, Sao Paulo, SP. Pteridophyta: key to the families;2. Blechnaceae). A floristic survey of the family Blechnaceae - Pteridophyta was carried out in the “Parque Estadual dasFontes do Ipiranga (PEFI)”, located in the city of Sao Paulo, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two genera (Blechnum andSalpichlaena) and seven species were reported. Five terrestrial and one epiphytic/hemiepiphytic species belong to Blechnumand a climbing species to Salpichlaena. Except Blechnum imperiale (Fee & Glaziou) H. Christ, which is endemic of theAtlantic forest, all other taxa have wide distribution in the neotropics.Key words: Blechnum, ferns, floristic survey, SalpichlaenaRESUMO - (Criptogamos do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, Sao Paulo, SP. Pteridophyta: chave para as familias;2. Blechnaceae). O levantamento floristico da familia Blechnaceae - Pteridophyta foi realizado na area do Parque Estadualdas Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI). Foram registrados dois generos ( Blechnum e Salpichlaena) e sete especies. Cinco especiesterrestres e uma epifita/hemiepifita pertencem a Blechnum e uma trepadeira a Salpichlaena. Excetuando-se Blechnumimperiale (Fee & Glaziou) H. Christ, que e uma especie endemica da Mata Atlântica, todos os demais taxons apresentamdistribuicao ampla nos neotropicos.Palavras-chave: Blechnum, levantamento floristico, samambaias, Salpichlaena