About Culcita macrocarpa C.Presl
Culcita macrocarpa C.Presl is a large species that can reach up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height, with fronds that grow up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) long. Its rhizomes are thickly covered with long, silky, light brown hairs. Stipes are one-third the length of the leaf blade; the stipes and rachis are glabrous, and the upper surface of the leaf blade is shiny green, leathery, and triangular. Sori are protected by the curved lobes of the leaf blade. This species is endemic to Portugal and Spain, occurring both on the Iberian Peninsula and in Macaronesia. In Macaronesia, it can be found on all Azores islands except Graciosa, on the island of Madeira in the Madeira Archipelago, and on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is very rare on Santa Maria. On the Iberian Peninsula, it occurs on the northern Cantabrian and Asturian coasts, in northern Galicia, and in mountainous areas around Porto and in the Province of Cádiz. The populations found in Iberia may be the result of introduction. It grows on siliceous rocky slopes, especially in deep valleys under evergreen forest and near coastal areas, and sometimes grows in scrubland up to 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) elevation. It is usually found close to waterfalls or streams that provide moisture via spray. This species requires shade and warm temperatures year-round, along with high atmospheric humidity, to grow successfully. It can grow in all types of soil but avoids limestone substrates, and is especially common in the herbaceous layer of high-elevation montane forests of the Azores.
