CHAPTER XV 



GLEICHENIAS 



THE species included in this genus are not numerous, 

 and all are o^ similar habit ; their fronds, which are pro- 

 duced from thin wiry rhizomes, have the peculiarity of 

 extending for an indefinite period. After the first pair 

 of frondlets are developed a bud is formed, which later 

 extends, and another pair of frondlets are developed, and 

 this goes on. Formerly some of the species were grown 

 on into large specimens, and the fronds trained round 

 balloon trellises. 



It is remarkable that in New South Wales some species 

 grow and spread as freely as our common Bracken (Pteris 

 aquilina), and form tangled masses which are difficult to 

 penetrate, and the soil in which they grow so freely 

 appears to be a heavy loam. Yet when cultivated in 

 this country they succeed best in a compost consisting of 

 peat, leaf mould, and fibrous loam in equal parts, with 

 sand added, and good drainage. Although they like 

 plenty of moisture, stagnation must be avoided. They 

 succeed best when fully exposed to the light, with air 

 above and a damp moist bottom. Under heavy shading 

 they will soon show signs of weakly growth, and 

 gradually dwindle away. Temperature is another 

 important matter. Too much warmth, especially during 

 the Winter, is sure to prove fatal. G. dichotoma is the 

 only species which requires any warmth, and even this 

 may be grown under cooler treatment than is generally 

 given, and requires a period of rest during the Autumn. 

 All other species must be grown under cool greenhouse 



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