Tag Archives: Asplenium

Asplenium disjunctum Sledge

Disjunct Spleenwort (Asplenium disjunctum)

The Disjunct Spleenwort is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka where it is known from only two localities; it was only ever collected two times, the last record dates to the year 1885. [2]

***

The Disjunct Spleenwort was originally referred to by Beddome in 1892 as probably being an abnormal variety of the Furcate Spleenwort (Asplenium furcatum Thunb.).:

Asplenium furcatum. Mr. Trimen sends from Passara, 1,500 feet alt., in ceylon, a variety (probably abnormal) with the pinnae cut into filiform pinnules.” [1]

***

The Disjunct Spleenwort was subsequently recognized and described as a distinct species only in 1965 – when it probably was already extinct. 

*********************

References:

[1] R. H. Beddome: Handbook to the ferns of British India, Ceylon and the Malay peninsula; with supplement. Calcutta, Thacker, Spink 1892
[2] R. H. G. Ranil; C. R. Fraser-Jenkins; D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara; D. S. A. Wijesundara; B. S. Parris: The endemic pteridophyte flora of Sri Lanka: Taxonomy, geographical distribution and conservation status. Indian Fern Journal 33: 1-36. 2016

*********************

edited: 21.09.2020