Desmophlebiaceae and <i>Desmophlebium</i>: A new family and genus of Eupolypod II ferns

Abstract Based on an analysis of five plastid markers ( atpA , atpB , rbcL , rps4‐trnS , trnL/trnL‐trnF ), we show that Diplazium lechleri is sister to a clade formed by the Hemidictyaceae and Aspleniaceae. Thus, it does not belong to the Athyriaceae where previously classified. A new family, Desmophlebiaceae, and a new genus, Desmophlebium , are described to accommodate this relationship. Morphologically, Desmophlebium is distinguished from Diplazium by the combination of thick 1‐pinnate laminae, entire pinnae, decurrent distal pinnae, conform lamina apices (i.e., the terminal segment is similar to the lateral pinnae), and the presence of a submarginal connecting vein. On the basis of morphology, we also assign Diplazium longisorum to the new family and genus. Accordingly, the new combinations Desmophlebium lechleri and D. longisorum are provided. A lectotype is designated for Diplazium parallelogrammum , a synonym of Desmophlebium lechleri. Desmophlebium grows in humid forests from 125 to 1900 m. Desmophlebium lechleri occurs from Panama to north‐central and northeastern Brazil, and D. longisorum occurs in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.