CHAPTER VII 



FLOWERING FERNS 



THE term " Flowering Fern," though not strictly 

 correct, is commonly applied to those which have their 

 fructification disposed in a conspicuous manner, and 

 include the Anemias and Osmundas, as described below. 

 The Anemias and Anemidictyons are now all included in 

 the first named genus. These all have pinnate fronds 

 with rather long stipes (or stalks). The fructification, 

 or fertile portion, being confined to the two lower 

 pinnae ; these are rather elongated and grow erect, and 

 being destitute of the leafy green have all the appear- 

 ance of flower spikes. They require rather careful 

 treatment, and under the best conditions they get rather 

 shabby with age, and seedlings should be raised to keep 

 up a succession of healthy plants. The spores should be 

 collected as soon as the fertile portion begins to change 

 colour, and will germinate freely under ordinary treat- 

 ment. In growing the young plants on, they will be 

 more effective if several are potted together, but they 

 should not be crowded up in a bunch. They should be 

 given a light porous compost and good drainage. They 

 may all be grown on in a stove temperature, but after 

 being well established, A. phyllitidis, which is also known 

 as fraxinifolia, will do well in a greenhouse, and will 

 survive the winter when planted in a sheltered position on 

 the rockery, yet it is safer in the unheated greenhouse. 

 A. tomentosa, also known asferruginea a.ndfaxuosa, though 



