User:Gracia Y. Barrera Ruiz/Pentagramma triangularis

Pentagramma triangularis
Pentagramma triangularis, commonly known as the gold fern or the goldback fern, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to Western North America, particularly to the state of California.

Its common name "goldback" refers to the light yellow color of the fern's protective coating which inhibits moisture loss. The gold texture appears as a dry powder that is excreted on the underside of the fern.

The Latin specific epithet Pentagramma derives from "five lines" or "stripes" while Triangularis derives from "three sided", describing the shape of the fern's five broad triangular fronds.

Description
Like all ferns, P. triangularis does not produce flowers nor seeds, only spores. It has smooth Rhizome stems that are anywhere from black to brown in color, and its fronds are bright green with spore sacs on the bottom surrounded by a lighter yellow excreted substance.

P. triangularis can grow up to a height of 6 to 12 inches.

Distribution
The ecological distribution of P. triangularis includes the west coast of North America and extends from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to Baja California, Mexico, east to Arizona, and in the Blue Mountains of Washington.

P. triangularis is commonly found in rocky crevices and slopes, mixed evergreen and oak forests, occasionally on dry brushy slopes, and prefers shaded areas.

It is found in elevations between 500 ft (152 m) and 8,500 ft (2591 m).

Uses
The fronds are eaten by species such as the Dusky-footed woodrat.

The Indigenous tribes of California would use the goldback fern as an analgesic treatment. The Karuk tribe would use the fern to treat pain related to childbirth, and the Miwok tribe would use the fern as a treatment for toothaches. Additionally, Yurok tribe children would use the fern to create body art with the golden powder.

Subspecies

 * P. triangularis subsp. semipallida (J. Howell) G. Yatsk. et al. — pale gold back fern
 * P. triangularis subsp. triangularis

Some taxa formerly considered subspecies of P. triangularis have been raised to species rank in Pentagramma as of January 2020.


 * Pentagramma maxonii, previously P. triangularis subsp. maxonii
 * Pentagramma viscosa, previously P. triangularis subsp. viscosa