Astrolepis cochisensis ssp. cochisensis
XEROPHYTIC FERN.  One of the most common and drought-tolerant of desert ferns.  Leaves narrow, dark green, pinnate, in tight vertical clusters.  Leaflets small and round, with no more than two or three shallow lobes.  Dusted with tiny white star-shaped scales on the upper surface, and thick overlapping pointed tan or brown scales below.  Plant resemble small shrubs.  Restricted to limestone and marble.  Very similar to A. cochisensis ssp. arizonica.  In the Empires, very common on sunny limestone and marble hills, and a dominant plant on white marble ridgetops.
FAMILY:  Pteridaceae (True Ferns)