Dipteridaceae

Dipteridaceae is a small family of ferns comprising only two extant genera, Dipteris and some sources include the genus *Thysanosoria*. These ferns are characterized by their distinctive, deeply lobed fronds that are often dichotomously divided. The fronds are typically large and spread out, resembling open wings, which is reflected in the genus name *Dipteris*, meaning "two wings". The sori, which contain the sporangia, are located on the underside of the fronds and are usually round or oval, arranged in rows.

The family is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific. They are often found in disturbed habitats such as landslides, forest clearings, or along stream banks, where they can colonize open ground. Their ability to thrive in these exposed conditions is thought to be related to their robust rhizomes and their capacity for rapid growth.

Fossil evidence suggests that dipteridacean ferns have a long evolutionary history, with fossil fronds dating back to the Jurassic period. This indicates that the family has survived major extinction events and has maintained its distinctive morphology over a considerable geological timescale. Despite their ancient lineage, the extant diversity of Dipteridaceae is relatively limited, highlighting the specialized nature of their ecological niche and their evolutionary trajectory. The taxonomic status of some genera, such as *Thysanosoria*, continues to be a subject of ongoing research.