140.600 Pteris L.

Rhizome erect or shortly creeping; rhizome scales linear to ovate, extending to the base of the stipe. Fronds tufted or widely spaced, herbaceous to thinly coriaceous. Lamina pinnate to 4-pinnatifid, terminal pinna similar to lateral pinnae, basal pinnae often basiscopically developed, pinnae without powder on the undersurface; veins free, united in marginal vein bearing the sori, or variously anastomising with a costal areole. Rhachis, costae and costules sometimes with spines on the underside. Sori submarginal, covered by linear indusium, formed by the deflexed margin of the lamina, opening inwards.

Derivation of name: pteron: wing; alluding to the resemblance of the symmetrical fronds to wings.

Worldwide: c. 250 species, tropical, subtropical and temperate distribution.

Botswana: 1 taxon.