Chloroplast DNA sequences indicate the grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae) in New Zealand belong to a single clade, Notogrammitis gen. nov.

Eleven species of grammitid ferns have been recognized from New Zealand, in Ctenopteris (one species) and Grammitis (10 species). On account of their morphology, it has previously been hypothesized that these species belong to a single clade. We found this to be supported by phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA sequences, with the species misclassified in their current genera. Consequently, a new genus is described, Notogrammitis, containing a global total of 12 species. The only grammitid species south of 35 degrees 30'S worldwide belong to Notogrammitis. Within Notogrammitis, it appears that small-spored species of more benign habitats have originated from within a grade of larger-spored species, generally of colder environments. The chloroplast DNA sequences indicate several cases where the sampled populations may not actually be conspecific: New Zealand and Tasmanian N. billardierei; the circum-Antarctic N. crassior; and the morphologically variable, New Zealand endemic N. ciliata.