FOLIAGE PLANTS 363 



large fronds which have numerous pinnae and pinnules. 

 On the back of the fronds are globose indusia, which 

 rupture 'at the top and become cup-shaped. 

 Habitat. New Zealand and South Africa. 



565. Propagation and culture. Propagation is by 

 spores. Cyatheas are of the easiest culture, but are 

 particular as to temperature and moisture conditions. 

 They require an abundance of water both at the roots 

 and along the trunk, which means frequent waterings and 

 syringings. They should be kept growing vigorously, 

 and should send out a new whorl of fronds frequently. 

 These fronds should be of a large size and rich green 

 in color. They require little pot room and should never 

 be over-potted. If placed in a lath house, for the 

 summer, they will make a more vigorous growth during 

 the winter. They like full sunlight, and the soil should 

 be equal parts of leaf-mold and well-rotted sod. Add to 

 this about one-twelfth of the bulk of well-rotted cow 

 manure and a three-inch pot of bone-meal to one bushel 

 of soil. Compost this about two weeks before the ferns 

 are re-potted. 



566. Dicksonia, botanical classification. Order, 

 Cyatheacese ; genus, Dicksonia (after James Dickson, an 

 English botanist) ; species, two, antarctica and squarrosa. 



567. Dicksonia, botanical characters. The native ferns 

 of the genus Dennsta?dtia, the " hay ferns," were formerly 

 classified as dicksonias. Dicksonias are correctly tree 

 ferns which are larger and heavier than cyatheas. They 

 are hardier and stand a much cooler temperature. The 

 trunks are covered with, dense fibers and hold large 

 amounts of water. They have a two-valved indusium. 



Habitat. Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and 

 Chatham Island. 



