Background and Aims:

The genus Phanerophlebia was considered as enigmatic among pteridologists. Previous reviews have delimited a total of eight species, only two of which have been reported for Honduras. The objective of this study was to review the species of Phanerophlebia in Honduras and to examine their ecology, habitat, and distribution.

Methods:

Between March 2018 and February 2019, we reviewed herbarium specimens of Phanerophlebia and made trips and new collections in previously reported locations, in order to better understand the ecology, habitat, and distribution of the Honduran species.

Key results:

We document the first record for Honduras of Phanerophlebia macrosora and the rare hybrid P. juglandifolia × P. macrosora. A dichoto-mous key was prepared for the species reported for the country.

Conclusions:

Molecular and cytological studies of difficult to delimit taxa are needed, as well as the effective conservation of the areas where they can be found. Revisions of pteridophyte groups and additional surveys are still necessary to better understand the current diversity of Honduras.

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