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, with 

 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. 



Acrophorus, dkros, highest, phoreo, to bear ; the position of 

 the sori on the veins. 



Acrostichum, akros, highest, stichos, order ; the fructifica- 

 tion at the top of the fronds. 



Actinostachys, actin, rays, stachys, spike ; the fructification 

 spikes in rays. 



Adenoderris, aden, a gland, derma, skin ; the frond covered 

 with glands. 



Adenophorus, aden, a gland, phoreo, to bear ; bearing 

 glands. 



Adiantum, adiantos, dry ; when plunged in water comes 

 out dry. 



Aglaomorpha, aglao, splendid, morpha, form ; splendid 

 form. 



