MATONIACEAE

family of ferns dating from the Mesozoic era (245 million to 66.4 million years ago) and distinguished by an umbrella-shaped membranous covering over clusters (sori) or spore-bearing structures (sporangia). The leaves are fan-shaped and lobed in narrow segments or have long midribs that aid the plant in a climbing habit. The family now includes only two genera (Matonia, 2 species; and Phanerosorus, 2 species). Although once widespread in the tropics, the family's members now occur only in the Malayan regions, mainly on open ridgetops at higher elevations, on mountain summits, and on limestone.