THE FUGACES OF JAPAN. 147 



retrofractive, recurving and gently ascending. Tlie strong retro- 

 fraction of the leaves gives a versatile appearance to the upper 

 node (fig. 1.). The interfolial distances range from 1^ to 7 cm. 

 In substance the leaves are thick and coreaceous, with an elevated 

 rib which dies away near the apex. 



As the plant grows further, the lower portions of the 

 ancipitous stem gradually become cylindrical, measuring 0.5-0.75 

 cm. in diameter. The basal alternate leaves drop off by degrees 

 and their insertion points now appear as dilated and angulate 

 elevations with apices like a chisel edge. The result is a stout 

 thick stem bent more or less zigzag in a plane (fig. 3). The leaves 

 and stems in the upper portions retain characters similar to 

 those of the younger lower portions described above, and the 

 leaves therein often attain a length of 37.5 cm. with a nearly 

 equal breadth. 



In a well developed plant the root is disc-shaped, elevated 

 on the upper surface, usually conical but frequently hemispherical. 

 The diameter at the base measures 2-3 cm. 



Branches and branchlets are sent out from the upper surface 

 of the flat petioles. The branches starting from the basal leaves 

 become by further development indistinguishable from the 

 primary stem, acting as the principal members of the frond. 

 They ramify mostly in a plane, apparently in a dichotomous or 

 subdichotomous way. Hence, a full-grown plant bears a consider- 

 able number of fastigiate, stout branches, each richly provided 

 with gigantic leaves. In total length a plant often measures 7 

 feet or more. 



The vesicles are oblong ellipsoid, slightly compressed, with a 

 comparatively short ancipitous stalk. Those on the sterile lower 

 portions are more roundish and largei", coronated with a sliort 



