Establishment of Sect. Fargesiani (Phlegmariurus): A Phylogenetic Revision Based on Morphology and Molecular Data

The model species for Sect. Funiformes C. Y. Yang and Sect. Carinaturus (Herter) H. S. Kung & L. B. Zhang was Phlegmariurus carinatus (Desv. ex Poir.) Ching. However, our phylogenetic analysis reveals that Phlegmariurus carinatus and Sect. Phlegmariurus form a clade, while the other five species form a separate monophyletic clade. This new clade is assigned to a new section in Phlegmariurus, which we name Sect. Fargesiani.

In this section, the stem, along with the leaves, is cordlike, and the leaves are small and attached to the branches. The sporophyll spike is thin and cylindrical. However, P. carinatus is distinct from the other species in this section as it can be either epiphytic or terrestrial. The stem of P. carinatus has a stronger sporophyll spike and lanceolate leaves, which are not cordlike.