PLANTS OPHIOGLOSSID FERNS IN MANITOBA: MOONWORTS, GRAPEFERNSAND NORTHERN ADDER’S-TONGUE Richard J. Staniforth 336 Glenwood Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R2L 1J9; Email:<[email protected]> The Ophioglossaceae or adder’s-tongue in 1957, recorded four Manitoba species all family is a small group of less than 100 belonging to a single genus, i.e. common species of ferns that are terrestrial or moonwort (Botrychium lunaria), daisy-leaf epiphytic and found worldwide.1 They moonwort (B. matricariifolium), leathery are quite distinct morphologically from grapefern (B. multifidum), and rattlesnake other ferns. Each plant has a single fern (B. virginianum).6 Since 1957, other stem that is largely subterranean, and species have been added to this list as this supports a short-lived, usually single they were found, but there has not been leaf that is composed of two parts: a a systematic examination of specimens sporophore that bears sporangia and a from Manitoba.78 photosynthetic leaf blade ortrophophore.1 This morphology contrasts with that of Ophioglossid ferns have no direct most other ferns, the leptosporangiate economic value;1 however, knowledge ferns, which produce their sporangia on of their abundance and distribution the lower sides of their photosynthetic would be as critical a contribution to our leaves. The relationship between the understanding of regional biodiversity and ophioglossid and leptosporangiate ferns conservation needs as it is for any group has been a mystery for many years23; of organisms. The goal of this study was to however, recent DNA research has determine the taxa occurring in Manitoba, suggested that the ophioglossids are more their distributions and relative abundances. closely related to the tropical whisk fern To achieve this, it was necessary to family (Psilotaceae) than they are to the study specimens collected within the leptosporangiate ferns.1 Unfortunately, province and from these records to make fossil evidence is sparse and we know an annotated checklist and distribution virtually nothing about the ancestral history maps for the taxa. Photographs and an of this group. The taxa at the species level identification key were also considered to have been just as difficult to determine be valuable. because of the simple morphology and the relative lack of characters.2 Materials and Methods Specimens of ophioglossid ferns were A new understanding of the taxonomy of examined during 2009 and 2010 at this group has allowed the recognition of the herbaria of The Manitoba Museum more species in Alberta and Saskatchewan; (MMMN), University of Manitoba (WIN), however, the numbers recorded for and the University of Winnipeg (UWPG). Manitoba have remained low.4'5Scoggan, In addition, since 2005 I have prepared a who wrote the classic “Flora of Manitoba” temporary personal research collection 69 (2) June 2011 75 as a result of searching for ferns and 1), but by far the most numerous were lycophytes throughout the province. specimens of rattlesnake fern. All members of the genus Botrychium, the moonworts, Each herbarium specimen was are small and inconspicuous; it is likely examined, compared with current species that actual differences in the numbers descriptions and annotated if necessary.2'4 9 of specimens reflect real differences in I followed the nomenclature and taxonomy their specific abundances. This table also that recognizes four local genera within includes the numbers of squares both at the Ophioglossaceae, i.e. Ophioglossum, the 10 km and 50 km levels, from which Botrychium, Botrypus, and SceptridiumA10 specimens of a particular species had These genera were separated from each been collected. These statistics provide other because of consistently different an idea of the distribution, i.e., whether the features (see figures). The moonworts, species is widespread or has a relatively Botrychium spp., have shoots consisting of restricted range. two parts, a sporophore and a trophophore, no matter their size or age, whereas in the An exciting outcome of this study is that rattlesnake ferns (Botrypus virginiana) several taxa, including spatulate moonwort and grapeferns (Sceptridium spp.), the (Botrychium spathulatum) and least smaller plants do not produce fertile parts. moonwort (8. simplex), were recorded for The most obvious difference between the first time in Manitoba. The first of these rattlesnake ferns and grapeferns is that species had been collected in the province the trophophore of the former is attached before the taxon was officially recognized well above ground, whereas that of the as being different from the common and grapeferns is attached at or below ground Mingan moonworts. Blunt-lobed grapefern level. Some texts have included Botrypus (S. oneidense) and prairie moonwort (8. and Sceptridium as subgenera of a wider campestre) had been reported recently genus BotrychiumA11 An annotated but were essentially new finds for the species list was developed from these province.1213 Species that were recorded herbarium records (see below). for the second time only include: northern adder’s-tongue (O. pusillum), daisy-leaf The collection location for each specimen moonwort (8. matricariifolium), and was converted to Universal Transverse spatulate moonwort (8. spathulatum).1213 Mercator (UTM) coordinates wherever the information on the herbarium label was I was unable to locate specimens of pale sufficiently precise. Collection locations moonwort (8. pallidum), which had been were plotted on maps showing grids of 10 observed in the Otterburne area in south- x 10 km and also 50 x 50 km squares using central Manitoba.814 It was not possible the UTM system based on North American to confirm that this species occurs in the Datum 1983 (NAD 83). The distribution province in the absence of specimens maps using 50 * 50 km squares are shown and should remain as “of hypothetical below. Specimens that could not be placed occurrence” for the present. within a 50 x 50 km square due to unclear or imprecise locations were not included The criteria that I found useful in in the distribution maps. identification were: shape of the trophophore and its pinnae, attachment Results and Discussion point of the trophophore to the sporophore, Two hundred and twenty-two specimens degree of branching of the sporophore, of ophioglossid ferns were examined in habitat, phenology of spore production, total. These consisted often species (Table and distribution. 76 Blue Jay Table 1. Numbers of specimens of ophioglossid ferns in Manitoba herbaria (MMMN, UWPG, WIN, and author’s collection), numbers of UTM squares in which the specimens were collected out of 6068 squares (10 *10 km) and out of 323 squares (50 x 50 km), and rankings according to NatureServe Canada.15 NatureServe Conservation Status Ranks are as follows: G=Global, S=Subnational (i.e. province of Manitoba), 1=Very rare, 2=Rare, 3=Uncommon, 4=Abundant with possible unknown threats, 5=Abundant and secure, SNR=Species not ranked Common Name Herbarium 10 x10 km 50 x 50 km Conservation specimens UTM squares UTM squares Status Ranks occupied occupied Rattlesnake fern 149 98 52 G5, S5 Common 30 16 14 G5, S4 moonwort Leathery 17 14 13 G5, S3 grapefern Mingan 15 10 9 G4, S1S2 moonwort Northern 3 2 2 G5, SI adder’s-tongue Daisy-leaf 2 2 2 G3G4, SI moonwort Spatulate 2 2 2 G5, SI moonwort Prairie 2 1 1 G3, SNR moonwort Least moonwort 1 1 1 G5, SNR Blunt-lobed 1 1 1 G4, SI grapefern Pale moonwort 0 0 0 G3, SI It is clear that ophioglossid ferns are rare undergo taxonomic revision. On the in Manitoba, with the notable exception of other hand, it would be difficult to justify rattlesnake fern, which is both widespread putting populations at risk by collecting and tolerably common. The remaining individuals. Fortunately, the removal of species are considered scarce at the the leaf after spores have been dispersed provincial level based on criteria used by and the above-ground plant parts have NatureServe Canada, as is shown by the started to senesce would seem to have Conservation Status Ranks given in Table little more effect than the removal of fall 'j 15 leaves from a deciduous shrub or tree, as long as the underground stem does The question of whether to collect not get damaged in the process. Any specimens of rare ophioglossids can specimens collected should be donated and should be considered. On one hand, to a herbarium along with the collection specimens are essential for verification, date, location, and habitat information to especially for a group of morphologically ensure their long-term care, storage, and similar taxa which may continue to research availability. 69 (2) June 2011 77 Figure 1. Terminology and morphology of ophioglossid ferns. (A) Northern adder’s tongue with simple (= undivided) trophophore (leaf blade) with entire (= untoothed) margin. Its sporophore (fertile portion) is also simple (lacking branches), and its sporangia are embedded in its matrix. (B) Common moonwort with its pinnate compound leaf with paired, fan-shaped pinnae (leaflets). Its sporophore is branched and supports clusters of spherical sporangia. (C) Leathery grapefern with its deltoid (triangular) trophophore which is divided into pinnae and these divided again into pinnules (sub-leaflets) which are in turn divided a third time, i.e. the trophophore is thrice-compound. In this case, the sporophore is much branched and supports large clusters of sporangia which resemble bunches of grapes. Other terms: GL=ground level, d Trph=dead overwintering trophophore. Note that the three drawings are not drawn to the same scale. Key to genera and species of 3a. Fronds deciduous; blade attached ophioglossid ferns found in Manitoba to stalk near middle. See Fig. 1. for illustrations of terms and .Botrypus virginianus morphology of ophioglossid ferns. 3b. Fronds evergreen; blade attached la. Trophophore (sterile leaf section) at ground level. single, simple with entire margins; .Sceptridium (go to 4) sporangia sessile and embedded in 4a. Terminal pinna (leaflet) similar in a spike-like sporophore (fertile leaf size to lateral pinnae, divided to near portion).Ophioglossum pusillum their tips..