About Ophioglossum petiolatum Hook.
The scientific name of this species is Ophioglossum petiolatum Hook. Each of its epidermal cells contains approximately 50 to 150 chloroplasts, and its mesophyll cells contain more than 200 chloroplasts per cell. It grows quickly when cultivated in pots, which makes it suitable for use in botany instruction. Ophioglossum petiolatum has a native tropical and subtropical distribution across South America and Africa. It was likely introduced to North America in the early 1900s. It is found in Hawaii, though this presence is likely the result of a more recent introduction. It has also been introduced to other states within the United States. Within the US, it only occurs in Pemiscot County in the state of Missouri. In Alabama, it is present in 5 counties. In Virginia, it is present in 3 counties, and it was first reported in the state on the lawn of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in 1979. This species is rare in New Zealand. Robert Malcolm Laing was the first person to record this species on Norfolk Island.
