Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R.Br., morph (Finland, Lammi, Ylänäinen, 1990). – Image: Harri Harmaja (scanned from dried specimen). – In W. ilvensis (Woodsiaceae), the characters of the frond, sori and sporangia display variability which at least partly is genetically determined and would be worth of scrutinizing. Non-genetic variability can be seen in that the leaf lobes are broader and the scales and hairs of the lamina are fewer in shade as compared with open, sunny habitats. However, the present morph is apparently more than a modification: the segments of the lamina (pinnae and pinnulae and the terminal lobe) are truncate or slightly emarginate (notched). In addition, the leaves are only bipinnate. I have noticed this morph in a few additional localities in Finland. It has been noted in somewhat more shady habitats than W. ilvensis generally.
Created August 29, 2004.