Cheilanthes eatonii

This species is frequently confused with Cheilanthes tomentosa, from which it differs in having the scales on the rachis and abaxial surfaces of the pinnae more or less ovate rather than narrow and hairlike. Cheilanthes eatonii also consists of two forms which were previously recognized as separate species. Typical eatonii are densely hairy adaxially with fine silvery hairs, whereas the form once recognized as Cheilanthes castanea has only sparse and coarse adaxial hairs.

Typical form of Cheilanthes eatonii in Ice Canyon on the west side of the Organ Mountains, 30 Jan 2005.

Plant habit, typical form of the species on the lower part of the Pine Tree Trail loop at Aguirre Springs on the northeastern side of the Organ Mountains, 17 Sep 2006.

Abaxial view of a pinna of the typical form in the Chiricahua Mts., 9/4/04.

Adaxial view of a pinna of the castanea form in the Chisos Mts., 12/31/04.

Abaxial view of pinnae of the castanea form in the Chisos Mts., 12/31/04.