About Astrolepis cochisensis (Goodd.) D.M.Benham & Windham
This fern grows from a short rhizome. The rhizome bears tan scales that are sometimes dark at the base; these scales are up to 10 millimeters (0.4 in) long, and their edges may or may not have small, hairlike teeth. The fronds (leaves) of this fern measure 7 to 40 centimeters (2.8 to 16 inches) in length, and are divided into 20 to 50 pairs of oblong pinnae (leaflets), which are sometimes lobed. The largest pinnae typically grow 4 to 7 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long. Some pinnae do not have any lobes at all, while others have 1 to 4 asymmetrically arranged lobes. These lobes have broadly rounded ends, and the indentations between them are shallow. The upper surface of the leaflets is coated in star-shaped scales, while the lower surface is covered in hairy, lance-shaped scales.
