Dipteridales

Dipteridales is an order of ferns in the class Marattiopsida. This order contains a single family, Dipteridaceae, and two genera, Dipteris and Hausmannia. These ferns are characterized by their dichotomously branched fronds, which are often large and fan-shaped. The sporangia are borne in sori on the underside of the fronds, and each sorus contains many sporangia. Dipteridales are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with most species occurring in Southeast Asia and Australia. They typically grow in moist, shaded habitats, such as rainforests and cloud forests. Fossil evidence suggests that Dipteridales have a long evolutionary history, with their origins dating back to the Mesozoic Era. The fronds of some species, like Dipteris conjugata, can reach lengths of up to two meters and are deeply lobed, giving them a distinctive appearance. The reproductive structures are relatively simple compared to some other fern groups. The order is considered to be a relatively small and distinct lineage within the ferns.