Dryopteridaceae

Lore & Background

The Dryopteridaceae were defined broadly by Karl U. The inclusion of Didymochlaena, Hypodematium, and Leucostegia is doubtful; if excluded, the family is strongly supported as monophyletic. Some authors have already treated these genera as outside the family. Some species removed from Oenotrichia probably belong in Dryopteridaceae but have not yet been given a generic name.

Reader's Guide

Their ecological diversity—terrestrial, epipetric, hemiepiphytic, or epiphytic—and ornamental value make them important in horticulture and natural ecosystems. The family's taxonomy has been refined through molecular phylogenetics, resolving earlier polyphyletic classifications. The PPG I classification of 2016 divides the family into three subfamilies: Polybotryoideae, Elaphoglossoideae, and Dryopteridoideae. Genera such as Didymochlaena, Hypodematium, and Leucostegia have been removed to other families, while Pleocnemia was added. The fossil record places the earliest members in the Mid Cretaceous, about 99 million years ago, indicating a long evolutionary history. The family's phylogenetic position within eupolypods I is well-supported, and its study continues to inform fern systematics and biogeography.

Did You Know?

• The earliest fossil members emerged about 99 million years ago during the Mid Cretaceous.
• The inclusion of Didymochlaena, Hypodematium, and Leucostegia in the family is doubtful; if excluded, the family is strongly supported as monophyletic.