Pentagramma triangularis
{{Short description|Species of fern}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Pentagramma triangularis 1.jpg
| image_caption =
| display_parents = 3
| genus = Pentagramma
| species = triangularis
| authority = (Kaulf.) Yatsk., Windham & E. Wollenw.
| synonyms =
{{Species list
|Ceropteris triangularis|(Kaulf.) Underw.
|Gymnogramma triangularis|Kaulf.
|Gymnopteris triangularis|Underw.
|Hemionitis triangularis|(Kaulf.) Christenh.
|Neurogramma triangularis|Diels
|Pityrogramma triangularis|Maxon
}}
}}
Pentagramma triangularis, commonly known as the gold fern or the goldback fern, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to Western North America, with highest abundance in the state of California.[http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=6234 Calflora] . accessed 2.12.2013 Its common name "goldback" refers to the light yellow color of the fern's protective coating which inhibits moisture loss. The gold texture appears as a dry powder that is excreted on the underside of the fern.{{Cite web|title=Goldback Fern|url=https://friendsofedgewood.org/goldback-fern|access-date=2021-11-13|website=friendsofedgewood.org|language=en-US}} The Latin specific epithet Pentagramma derives from "five lines" or "stripes" while triangularis derives from "three sided", describing the shape of the fern's broad triangular fronds.
Description
Like all ferns, P. triangularis does not produce flowers nor seeds, only spores. It has long smooth petioles (frond stems) that are anywhere from black to brown in color, and its fronds are bright to dark green on top with dark spore sacs (sporangia) on the leaf bottom surrounded by a lighter yellow excreted powdery substance.
P. triangularis can grow to a height of 6 to 12 inches.{{Cite web|title=Goldback Fern (Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis) {{!}} Curbstone Valley|url=https://curbstonevalley.com/goldback-fern-pentagramma-triangularis-ssp-triangularis/|access-date=2021-11-13|website=curbstonevalley.com}} In common with other Pentagramma species, the basal pinna has a characteristic asymmetry, with the basal secondary pinna on one side much (2 to 6-fold) longer than on the other. In response to dry conditions, the leaves curl up with the lower (spore) side outward, presumably to conserve water.
Subspecies
- P. triangularis subsp. semipallida (J. Howell) G. Yatsk. et al. – pale gold back fern [http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Pentagramma+triangularis+ssp.+semipallida&one=T Calflora: Pentagramma triangularis ssp. semipallida]
- P. triangularis subsp. triangularis
Some taxa formerly considered subspecies of P. triangularis have been raised to species rank in Pentagramma.
- Pentagramma maxonii, previously P. triangularis subsp. maxonii{{Cite web|title=Pentagramma triangularis subsp. maxonii in Flora of North America @ efloras.org|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500890|access-date=2021-11-13|website=www.efloras.org}}
- Pentagramma viscosa, previously P. triangularis subsp. viscosa{{Cite web|title=Pentagramma triangularis subsp. viscosa in Flora of North America @ efloras.org|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500893|access-date=2021-11-13|website=www.efloras.org}}
Distribution
The distribution of P. triangularis includes much of the west coast of North America and extends from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to Baja California, Mexico, east to Arizona, and in the Blue Mountains of south eastern Washington.{{Cite web|title=Burke Herbarium Image Collection|url=http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Pentagramma%20triangularis|access-date=2021-11-13|website=biology.burke.washington.edu}} This species is also found on the Pacific island of Guadalupe off the Baja California shore, and plants there may represent an undescribed taxon.{{Cite journal |last1=Rebman |first1=J. P. |last2=Gibson |first2=J. |last3=Rich |first3=K. |date=2016 |title=Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Baja California, Mexico |url=http://sdplantatlas.org/pdffiles/BajaChecklist2016.pdf |journal=San Diego Society of Natural History |volume=45 |pages=22}}
Habitat
In California P. triangularis prefers shaded areas and is commonly found in rocky crevices and on north-facing slopes, in mixed evergreen and oak forests, and occasionally on dry brushy slopes.{{Cite web|title=SEINet Portal Network - Pentagramma triangularis|url=https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=1711&clid=3056|access-date=2021-11-13|website=swbiodiversity.org}} In more northerly locations, such as British Columbia and Washington State west of the Cascade Range, it may be found in part shade or full sun mostly on rocky outcrops. It is found at elevations between sea level and 8,500 ft (2591 m).
Uses
The fronds are eaten by species such as the Dusky-footed woodrat.
The Indigenous tribes of California would use the goldback fern as an analgesic treatment. The Karuk tribe would use the fern to treat pain related to childbirth, and the Miwok tribe would use the fern as a treatment for toothaches. Additionally, Yurok tribe children would use the fern to create body art with the golden powder.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=6234 Calflora database: Pentagramma triangularis]
- [https://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch?mode=symbol&keywordquery=PETR7 USDA Plants Profile for Pentagramma triangularis (goldback fern)]
- [http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?92,131,133 Jepson Manual Treatment for Pentagramma triangularis]
- [http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Pentagramma+triangularis Pentagramma triangularis — UC Photo gallery]
{{Commons|Pentagramma triangularis|position=left}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q7164993}}
Category:Ferns of the United States
Category:Flora of the Northwestern United States
Category:Flora of the Southwestern United States
Category:Flora of British Columbia
Category:Flora of the Cascade Range
Category:Flora of the Klamath Mountains
Category:Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Category:Flora of the California desert regions
Category:Flora of Guadalupe Island
Category:Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Category:Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Category:Natural history of the Mojave Desert
Category:Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges
Category:Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area
Category:Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains
Category:Natural history of the Transverse Ranges