Ferns 231 



These are distinct-looking Ferns with two kinds of fronds those bear- 

 ing spores in irregular patches beneath being forked and lobed, while the 

 sterile ones are large, flattish, and imbricating. The best-known kinds 

 are: cethoipicum, alcicome, biforme, grande, and Willincki (fig. 314), all 

 requiring warmhouse treatment. 



Polypodium. A large and variable genus, now including Phegopteris, 

 Goniopteris, Phymatodes, Drynaria, and other submerged genera. The 

 most characteristic feature of the Polypodies consists in the roundish spore 

 clusters being without any covering or indusium. 



Of the 500 or more species known, P. (or Phlebodium) aureum, from 

 Tropical America, is undoubtedly the most popular. It is largely grown 

 for market, and is sold in pots of all sizes. The fronds are from 2-6 ft. 

 long, pinnatifid, with wavy blue-green segments, on the under surface of 

 which the spore clusters are arranged in two rows on each side of the 

 midrib. It makes splendid specimens, and stands a good deal of rough 

 usage. P. (Phymatodes) glaucum, from the Philippines, resembles some 

 forms of P. aureum in texture and general appearance. Its fronds, how- 

 ever, are of a deeper blue-green tint, and the habit is somewhat more 

 slender. The variety crispum is an elegant plant, but does not produce 

 spores. P. aureum cristatum is a nice crested variety, and areolatum 

 is a decorative form which may be recognized by having a single row of 

 spore clusters. P. Mandaianum is a fine new variety, with blue -green 

 deeply cut fronds. 



Amongst the hardy Polypodies which are dug up in spring and sent 

 to market are the Common Polypody (P. vulgare), with narrow evergreen 

 fronds 6-12 in. long. There are several varieties of it, some being beauti- 

 fully feathered and crested. The "Oak Fern" (P. Dryopteris) and the 

 "Beech Fern" (P. Phegopteris) are also popular for hardy rock gardens 

 and ferneries. 



Pteris. A large genus characterized by having the spore clusters 

 borne in a continuous line along the margins of the pinnae. Of the many 

 species and varieties the market kind par excellence is Pteris cretica 

 major. This is grown in hundreds of thousands, and there are a good 

 many variations in it. The fronds, however, are gracefully arching, and 

 divided into ribbon-like wavy pinnae, hence the popular name of " Ribbon 

 Ferns". One of the best is Drinkwateri. There are several crested and 

 tasselled varieties also, the most popular at present being cristata and 

 Wimsetti. Others are albolineata, Childsi, gracilis, Ouvrardi, Leyi, Mayi, 

 nobilis, &c. Childsi is a very graceful Fern with deeply serrated fronds 

 nicely crested at the tips. It is barren, and must therefore be raised by 

 division. A form of Wimsetti, called multiceps, is very distinct, and is re- 

 markable for the cresting of the inner pinnules. It may be reproduced true 

 from spores. The forms sell well in 5-in. pots. A new variety called Parkeri 

 is a distinct improvement, and is likely to become a fine market Fern if not 

 too coarse. It has larger and broader fronds than the Cretica forms, and, 

 owing to their leathery texture, will stand a good deal of rough usage. 



