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The curious distribution of the dwarf Brazilian tree fern, Neoblechnum brasiliense (Blechnaceae): New country records and a significant range extension

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Abstract

Neoblechnum brasiliense (Blechnaceae) is common and widespread in South America but has been known from Mesoamerica by only one collection from Guatemala by Julian Steyermark in 1939. We discovered two new occurrences of the species, in Belize and Mexico, extending the range of the species over 1000 km north and west into northern Mesoamerica. We discuss possible explanations for the rarity of the species in Mesoamerica and its disjunction from South America.

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Acknowledgments

Wild Earth Allies supported S. W. Brewer’s field research as part of the Trees of Belize Project. Ella Baron and Caves Branch Adventure Lodge and Botanical Garden, Belize, provided valuable logistical support to S. W. Brewer. Robbin Moran (NY) graciously confirmed the determination of Brewer’s collection of Blechnum brasiliense from photographs and recommended Neoblechnum brasiliense as the most current correct name. Two anonymous reviewers provided many helpful comments that improved the manuscript. Burgund Bassüner (MO) kindly created Fig. 1, and Mary Merello provided herbarium assistance at MO.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wild Earth Allies, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 900, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA

    Steven W. Brewer

  2. Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática Vegetal, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. San José de la Huerta. C.P, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

    Guadalupe Cornejo-Tenorio & Guillermo Ibarra-Manríquez

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  1. Steven W. Brewer
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Correspondence to Steven W. Brewer.

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Brewer, S.W., Cornejo-Tenorio, G. & Ibarra-Manríquez, G. The curious distribution of the dwarf Brazilian tree fern, Neoblechnum brasiliense (Blechnaceae): New country records and a significant range extension. Brittonia 72, 241–247 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12228-020-09608-x

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