ETYMOLOGY. 409 
2.—ETYMOLOGY. 
DERIVATION OF THE GENERIC NAMES ADOPTED IN THIS WORK. 
As a general rule it may be admitted that the generic 
names of plants are derived from three principal sources. 
The first, and greater number, being generally a compound! 
of two Greek words. The second, names of persons, witht 
the addition of a Latin termination. The third source is 
various, such as the adoption of local aboriginal names, | 
names from Heathen Mythology, and often words of 
doubtful origin, and incomprehensible application, have 
been given as generic names by botanists. 
N.B.—For all names ending and beginning with Pteris, 
see Pteris. 
Aconiopteris, akon, a point, and pteris; the veins forming 
sharp angles close to the margin of the frond in the 
typical species. g 
Acrophorus, akros, highest, phoreo, to bear ; the position of — 1 
the sori on the veins. 
Acrostichum, akros, highest, stichos, order ; the fructifica- ` ` 
tion at the top of the fronds. S 
Actinostachys, actin, rays, stachys, spike ; the fructification 
spikes in rays. B 
| Adenoderris, aden, a gland, derma, skin; the frond covered ` 
with glands. i a 
Adenophorus, aden, a gland, phoreo, to bear; bearing a 
glands. ee - 
Adiantum, adiantos, dry; when plunged in water comes 
ek out dry. E 
-~ Aglaomorpha, aglao, splendid, morpha, form; splendid 
form. 
