Polystichum x lonchitiforme (hybrid between the P. Lonchitis (Holly Fern) and the P. setiferum (Soft Shield Fern).

 

The lonchitiforme is a rare hybrid, in fact you could probably count the number of specimens found in the UK on one hand and thats being conservative. It was a privilege to find one and to handle and then take photos was even more special. I doubt very much it will ever be found on Hutton Roof simply because of the shortage of Setiferum, but one never knows for sure!

I am putting most of my energies these days trying to find the equally rare P.x Illyricum which is the hybrid between the P. Lonchitis (Holly Fern) and the Polystitchum aculeatum. With this I do feel that I am within a chance that one could possibly be found on Hutton Roof if one hasn't already been found . After saying all that there are very subtle differences in the look between either Illyricum or lonchitiforme, not sure but think it will be down to chromosome levels at the end of the day. 

Ah! just remembered there is another way of telling and thats by checking out the lowest pinnae and note the small difference of the gaps, see this photo crib:

When I look careful at the lonchitiforme (photos below) I can see so many resemblances in keeping with both rare hybrids (x illyricum and x lonchitiforme). And just has it should be you look at the plant from a short distance away and realize just how striking a look of lonchitis (Holly fern) with its scythe shaped pinnae and parts of the rest of its profiles, height and width of fronds and the tailing off with the lower parts of the frond. Also when you look carefully at the pinnae you see again that typical in between hybrid look with the top side of SOME of the pinnae hardly notched compared to other pinnae which are heavily notched. Really the signs shine out at you as long as you dont expect too much!

Rare Photos of Polystichum lonchitiforme

the hybrid between P. Lonchitis and P. setiferum

(above) Polystichum lonchitiforme - 

The above specimen is thought to have originated

from Glenaide, Ireland.

(above) Polystichum lonchitiforme - 

The above specimen is thought to have originated

from Glenaide, Ireland.

(above) Polystichum lonchitiforme - 

The above specimen is thought to have originated

from Glenaide, Ireland.

(above) Polystichum lonchitiforme - 

The above specimen is thought to have originated

from Glenaide, Ireland.

Polystichum x lonchitiforme, A fern hybrid new to the British Isles

the following extract taken from Watsonia Vol II part 2 - July 1976 the document authored by A. Sleep)

Two of the three possible hybrids between the British species of Polystichum have been recorded from the British Isles.  The third, P. Lonchitis x P. setiferum (=P.x lonchitiforme (Halacsy) Becherer) previously known only from a single specimen from southern Greece, has recently been discovered in a locality in Western Ireland Ben Bulbin in counties Sligo and Leithrim), where it grows together with P. aculeatum and both parents. The hybrid is of intermediate morphology, with abortive spores and very narrow, erect fronds, which in the middle third are deeply dissected and almost bipinnate.  It is very easily confused with the related P. aculeatum x P. lonchitis (P.x illyricum (Borbas) Hahne, and the only sure way to distinguish them is by a chromosome count, P.x lonchitiforme being diploid (2<=82) and P.x illyricum triploid (2<=123).

Herbarium specimens of the hybrid and its parents were shown, together with photographs of spore and chromosome preparations and a map and pictures of the locality.  (A. Sleep)