''Polystichum calderonense'' is a rare species of
fern
A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta ) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. The polypodiophytes include all living pteridophytes except t ...
known by the common name Monte Guilarte hollyfern. It is
endemic
Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsew ...
to
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico (; abbreviated PR; tnq, Boriken, ''Borinquen''), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ( es, link=yes, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit=Free Associated State of Puerto Rico), is a Caribbean island and Unincorporated ...
, where it occurs in the
Peñuelas and
Guilarte Commonwealth Forest
Guilarte is a rural barrio in the municipality of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.
History
In the 19th century, Guilarte was a large coffee producer.
Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War under the terms of the Tre ...
s. There are only 57 individual plants remaining.
[USFWS]
''Polystichum calderonense'' Five-year Review.
January 2010. It is a federally listed
endangered species
An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inv ...
of the United States.
This
evergreen
In botany, an evergreen is a plant which has foliage that remains green and functional through more than one growing season. This also pertains to plants that retain their foliage only in warm climates, and contrasts with deciduous plants, which ...
terrestrial fern grows in mountains of volcanic origin. It is known from only two locations, one in a forest which is privately owned and another on public land that may be vulnerable to inadequate
forest management Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for ...
practices.
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References
External links
USDA Plants Profile
calderonense
Endemic flora of Puerto Rico
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