Marattiaceae

Starr 080326-3723 Angiopteris evecta

Marattiaceae is a family of ferns belonging to the class Marattiopsida. This family is notable for its ancient lineage, with fossil records dating back to the Carboniferous period, making it one of the oldest groups of living ferns. The Marattiaceae are characterized by large, often massive, fronds and a unique root system. They are primarily tropical in distribution, with species found in regions ranging from Central and South America to Africa, Madagascar, and the Pacific Islands.

Description

Members of the Marattiaceae family are easily distinguished by their large, sometimes gigantic, fronds which can reach several meters in length in some species. These ferns are terrestrial with erect or ascending rhizomes. The fronds are typically pinnate or bipinnate and possess thick, fleshy stipes (the stalk of the leaf). The sori (spore-producing structures) are unique among ferns, being large, circular, and covered by a kidney-shaped indusium.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Marattiaceae has undergone significant revisions with the advent of molecular phylogenetic studies. The family is now recognized to contain several genera, including Angiopteris, Christensenia, Danaea, and Marattia among others. These genera are distinguished by differences in frond architecture, sorus structure, and chromosome numbers.

Ecology

Marattiaceae species are found in moist, shaded tropical forests. They are understory plants, often growing in rich, humus-filled soils. Some species are adapted to disturbed areas and can be significant components of secondary forest growth. Their large fronds contribute to the litter layer of the forest floor, playing a role in the nutrient cycling of these ecosystems.

Evolution and Fossil Record

The Marattiaceae are part of a very ancient lineage of ferns, with fossils resembling modern members of the family dating back to the Carboniferous period. This long evolutionary history suggests that the family was once much more widespread and diverse than it is today. The fossil record includes numerous extinct genera, indicating a rich diversity that has been pruned by extinctions over the millennia.

Conservation

Many species within the Marattiaceae family are considered rare or endangered due to habitat destruction, especially deforestation in tropical regions. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect the remaining species, many of which are not well studied. The large size and distinctive appearance of these ferns make them important for ecological studies and conservation priorities in tropical forests.

In Culture

While not as commonly known or used as other ferns, some species of Marattiaceae have been used in traditional medicine and as ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical gardens. Their impressive size and unique appearance make them attractive features in botanical gardens and greenhouses.