Phymatosorus scolopendria, commonly known as monarch fern or wart fern, grows naturally as an epiphyte, lithophyte, or terrestrial plant primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome, and is widely distributed in Africa, Southeastern Asia, Indonesia, and extending south to northeastern Australia. It has become naturalized in Florida, Bermuda, Hawaii, and localities in South America. Although it is widely distributed geographically, and maintained in cultivation, less is known about its physiological ecology. This is a report of the photosynthesis, respiration, and physiological properties of P. scolopendria grown under controlled laboratory conditions with moderate light intensity of 100 µmol m^–2 s^–1 and temperature of 25C, approximating semi-shaded environmental conditions. Maximum net photosynthesis rate based on leaf area was 1.50 µmol m^–2 s^–1, and based on leaf dry weight was 1,581.80 nmol CO₂ g_dw^–1 min^–1. Dark respiration rate based on leaf area was 0.24 µmol CO₂ m^–2 s^–1, and per leaf dry weight was 319.54 nmol CO₂ g_dw min^–1. The specific leaf area was 209.52. Mean density of stomata on the abaxial leaf surface was 3,242 cm^–2, and leaf stomatal water vapor conductance was c. 62 mmol H₂O m^–2 s^–1.

We present three new lectotypifications for Gymnogramma schomburgkiana (= Jamesonia hispidula), Trichomanes guianense (= T. ankersii), and Adiantum lucidum var. poeppigianum (≡ A. poeppigianum). A neotype for Adiantum petiolatum, a species widespread in the Neotropical region, is also selected. Additionally, type specimens of Adiantum granvilleanum and A. latipinnulum were recently discovered at P Herbarium, and of Adiantum rhomboideum var. strictum at BM. Corrections about the localities where types came from are also presented for Adiantum rhomboideum var. strictum (= A. serratodentatum and/or A. multisorum).

Aspleniaceae is a diverse fern family with around 730 species distributed across various climates. Historically, its genera were differentiated by leaf morphology, but molecular studies revealed inconsistencies with this method, leading to a revised classification into two genera. Anatomical studies, particularly of petiole color and vascular bundles, offer insight into phylogenetic relationships. Our research examines petiole anatomy to understand its link to classification and phylogeny, and to investigate the functional structures of Aspleniaceae species, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of their diversity and evolution. The present study analyzed 49 Aspleniaceae species, previously categorized into 9 genera, collected from the field and botanic gardens. Sections were stained with safranin O-fast green and examined with various microscopes to assess anatomical structures, contributing to the understanding of Aspleniaceae phylogeny. We identified three petiole types based on vascular and cellular structure. Hymenasplenium species shared common traits such as cell wall thickness in the epidermis, while Asplenium groups exhibited variation in the epidermal and hypodermal cell wall composition affecting petiole color. This research contributes to understanding phylogenetic relationships within Aspleniaceae, providing a detailed anatomical basis for classification.

Twelve new and noteworthy fern taxa consisting of one North American record for a non-native species (Dryopteris hangchowensis), one native species state record (Asplenium heteroresiliens), four non-native species state records (Anisocampium niponicum, Ceratopteris aff. thalictroides, Lygodium microphyllum, and Pteris quadriaurita), three noteworthy native species (Crepidomanes intricatum, Dryopteris australis, and Vandenboschia boschiana), and three naturally occurring hybrids (Asplenium ×gravesii, Asplenium ×kentuckiense, and Asplenium ×trudellii) of interest are reported and described herein as significant additions to the flora of Alabama.