A New Name for Plants Previously Called Parablechnum christii (Blechnaceae) in Costa Rica and Panama

Abstract

The name Parablechnum christii (C. Chr.) Gasper & Salino has been applied to a small species with few pairs of short pinnae that is endemic to Costa Rica and Panama. After reviewing type material of this name, we conclude that it has been misapplied and is, in fact, a synonym of P. falciforme (Liebm.) Gasper & Salino, an older name. Because the specimens previously identified as P. christii lack a name, we propose P. talamancanum S. Molino & R. C. Moran for these plants. The species is endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama, from 1200 to 3350 m.