Goniopteris yaucoensis, synonym Thelypteris yaucoensis, [1] is a rare species of fern known by the common name Puerto Rico maiden fern.[2] It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known from only three localities. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

Goniopteris yaucoensis
Conservation status
Endangered (ESA)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Polypodiophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Suborder:	Aspleniineae
Family:	Thelypteridaceae
Genus:	Goniopteris
Species:	G. yaucoensis
Binomial name
Goniopteris yaucoensis (Proctor) Salino & T.E.Almeida[1]
Synonyms[1]
Thelypteris yaucoensis Proctor

This fern was placed on the endangered species list in 1993. At that time it was known to exist at three locations: two in Yauco and one in Ciales in Puerto Rico. There were a total of about 65 plants known at all three combined.[3]

This terrestrial fern has fronds up to 52 centimeters long with the blades divided into 13 to 15 pairs of segments.[3]

References