Cryptogramma

Abstract: An octoploid taxon of Cryptogramma from the Uludag Mts. in northwestern Turkey is described as a new species, Cryptogramma bithynica S. Jess., L. Lehm. & Bujnoch. An overview of the genus is given.

Abstract: The genus Cryptogramma R. Br. is widely distributed in the temperate and boreal regions of the northern hemisphere and South America. All but one of the 8-10 taxa recognized belong to section Cryptogramma Prantl, which comprises plants commonly known as "parsley-ferns." Species belonging to this section, as exemplified by the Eurasian species C. crispa (L.) R. Br., are small, tufted ferns possessing dimorphic fronds, with erect fertile leaves bearing contracted, linear segments, and shorter, spreading, finely dissected sterile fronds. North American parsley-ferns currently known include the widespread C. acrostichoides R. Br., and C. sitchensis (Rupr.) T. Moore [C. acrostichoides var. sitchensis (Rupr.) C. Chr.], a taxon of Alaska and adjacent northwest Canada. The delicate calciphile C. stelleri (S. Gmelin) Prantl, the sole member of section Homopteris (Rupr.) C. Chr., is widespread in northern North America. Biosystematic studies of Cryptogramma have been conducted with the aim of producing a modern taxonomic treatment of the genus as it occurs in North America. This work has led to the conclusion that in addition to the taxa currently known from North America, an additional undescribed species is worthy of recognition. The purpose of this paper is to validly publish the name of this species in preparation for the treatment of Cryptogramma in Flora of North America, and to provide a discussion of the diagnostic features of the new taxon. Additional biosystematic data and an analysis of evolutionary patterns, currently in preparation, will be forthcoming.