2008 Volume 59 Issue 1 Pages 1-14
A generic classification of Davalliaceae is proposed to recognize five genera and two sections for monophyletic groups detected by molecular phylogenetic studies. The delimitation of the taxa, except for Humata, differs remarkably from the ones adopted in previous classifications. Davallia is divided into sections Davallia and Trogostolon (stat. nov.), of which the former includes Scyphularia and the latter includes Davallia trichomanoides and close relatives. Humata contains Davallia corniculata. The new genus Araiostegiella comprises A. perdurans and two related species, which have long been assigned to Araiostegia. The revived genus Wibelia is composed of W. denticulata (type) and related species. Davallodes is a polymorphic genus that accommodates Paradavallodes, Araiostegia hymenophylloides and its close relatives, as well as Davallodes s.s. A key to the genera and sections and a set of their diagnostic characters are given and new combinations for the species are presented. The exclusion of Gymnogrammitis and Leucostegia from the family is also discussed.
