Class XXIV. Order I. 257 



390. ONOCLEA. 

 ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS. L. Sensitive fern, 



Barren fronds pinnate ; segments cut, the upper 

 ones united ; fertile fronds doubly pinnate, with re- 

 curved, globular subdivisions. 



A great difference, in appearance, exists between the bar- 

 ren, and fertile fronds of this plant. The barren frond is com- 

 posed of large, broad, oblong, sinuated leaves or divisions, the 

 lower ones distinct, the upper ones connected by their base. 

 The fertile frond is much narrower, its divisions short, its seg- 

 ments nearly globular, enclosing the fruit, and forming a sort of 

 raceme. Low grounds. Perennial. 



291. OSMUNDA 

 OSMUNDA CINNAMOMEA. L. Tall Osmunda. 



Barren fronds pinnate ; divisions elongated, 

 pinnatifid ; segments nearly oval and entire ; fertile 

 fronds with opposite racemes. Jllicli. 



This noble fern grows in large bunches in damp woods and 

 low grounds, sometimes attaining to the length of a man. The 

 greatest part of the plant is composed by the barren fronds, 

 which are pinnate, their divisions cut into oblong, tapering, 

 rounded, and somewhat acute segments. The fruit grows on 

 a small, separate frond, resembling a cluster of minute, brown- 

 ish seeds. Its stipe is invested with loose, reddish wool, its 

 divisions opposite, and completely covered with small, two- 

 valved, globular capsules. Perennial. 



O'SMUNDA INTERRUPTA. Mich. Interrupted fern, 



Fronds pinnate ; divisions opposite, pinnatifid ; 

 segments nearly oval and entire ; some of the inter- 

 mediate divisions fruitful. Mich. abi\ 



