GROUP II 



FERTILE FRONDS PARTIALLY LEAF-LIKE, THE FERTILE 

 PORTION UNLIKE THE REST OF THE FROND 



5. ROYAL FERN. FLOWERING FERN 



Osmunda regalis 



New Brunswick to Florida, in swampy places. Two to five feet 

 high, occasionally taller. 



Sterile, fronds. Twice-pinnate, pinna cut into oblong pinnules. 

 Fertile fronds. Leaf-like below, sporangia forming bright- 

 brown clusters at their summits. 



Perhaps this Royal or Flowering Fern is the 

 most beautiful member of a singularly beautiful 

 group. When its smooth, pale - green sterile 

 fronds, grown to their full height, form a grace- 

 ful crown which encircles the fertile fronds, it is 

 truly a regal-looking plant. These fertile fronds 



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