Family |
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium ceterach
L.
Asplenium ceterach L.
(Nouvelle Flore du Liban et de la Syrie, vol. 1, Pl. IV nº 3; 1966)
Life-form & habit: Perennial fern with a short rhizome covered in dark brown, ciliate scales.
Leaves: Forming small dense tufts, 5–20 cm long; petiole short, scaly. Blade linear-lanceolate, obtuse, leathery, green and glabrous on the upper side except along the scaly rachis; lower surface densely covered in glossy, brown, marginally toothed scales.
Pinnules: 9–12 pairs, alternate, semicircular to oblong, entire; basal pinnules often distinct, the others partially connate at base.
Sori: Oblong to linear, covered by rudimentary indusia, usually hidden under the abundant scales.
Phenology: Fructifies in spring.
Habitat & elevation: Rocky outcrops and stone walls, especially in limestone zones.
Lebanese distribution: Ct. Saïda, Beirut, Tripoli; Mi. ‘Abey, Chemlan, Bikfaya, ‘Antoura, Dlepta; Mm. Kfarsghab, ‘Akkar el-‘Atiq.
Syrian distribution: Mm. Slenfé; Sy. Harim, Jabal Sema‘ane; A.L. Jabal Abou ‘Ata; Dam. Jabal Qasyoun; J.D. Soueida.
Native range: Western and temperate Asia, Himalayas, North and southern Africa, Atlantic islands, and southern Europe