Elaphoglossum is a large genus of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae (subfamily Elaphoglossoideae, order Polypodiales), placed there under the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). The genus was first described in 1841 by John Smith, who attributed the name to Heinrich Schott; the name derives from Greek/Latin roots meaning "stag's tongue," a reference to the shape and texture of the simple, undivided leaf fronds characteristic of the genus.
Elaphoglossum is one of the larger fern genera, with estimates ranging from about 600 species (per PPG I, 2016) to at least 730 species (per Plants of the World Online and the Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World, as of January 2019). GBIF's backbone taxonomy lists 857 accepted descendant taxa under the genus. The type species is Elaphoglossum conforme.
Members of the genus are mostly epiphytic or terrestrial ferns found in tropical and subtropical regions, typically in humid forest habitats, and are distinguished from many other ferns by their simple, strap-like, undivided fronds rather than the more familiar dissected fern-leaf shape.
Etymology
The name Elaphoglossum, from botanical Latin, means "stag's tongue," referring to the shape and texture of the genus's simple leaf fronds. It was first described in 1841 by John Smith, who attributed the name to Heinrich Schott.
Taxonomy Notes
Placed in family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Elaphoglossoideae, order Polypodiales under the PPG I (2016) classification; authorship "Schott ex J.Sm.", published in J. Bot. (Hook.) 4: 148 (1841). Species-count estimates vary by source: ~600 (PPG I, 2016) to 730+ (Plants of the World Online / Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World, Jan 2019); GBIF's backbone lists 857 accepted descendant taxa. Type species: Elaphoglossum conforme.
