36 STOVE FEENS. 



CYRTOPHLEBIUM. 



A well-defined genus of stove Ferns, formed by Mr. J. Smith 

 from Polypodium. The name is derived from Icyrtos, curved, 

 and phlebs, a vein ; all the principal veins being beautifully 

 curved upwards, and the midveins between them curved also. 

 There are two seed-cases on each of the middle veins. These 

 may be considered the peculiar characters by which any of the 

 species may be known to belong to the genus. These have 

 recently been called by name of Campyloneuronro. some gardens. 



CYRTOPHLEBIUM ANGTJSTIFOLIUM (Narrow-leaved). A South- 

 American Fern. Fronds long and narrow, growing thickly on 

 a short rhizome. Increased by division. 



C. DECUEEENS (Decurrent). A rather tall-growing, hand- 

 some Fern from the Brazils. The fronds grow from 2 to 3 feet 

 high, and are pinnated ; the pinnae are from 6 to 8 inches 

 long, according to the size of the frond. As this Fern grows 

 erect and compact, it may be grown in a moderate-sized 

 stove. Readily increased by division. It exhibits the veining 

 beautifully. 



C. NITIDUM (Shining). Of all the genus this is the most 

 upright and stiff-growing species. As it is a native of the 

 West Indies it requires the heat of the stove. The fronds are 

 often 2 feet long, and of a shining deep green colour ; growing 

 on a short, blunt, scaly, and creeping rhizome. We have 

 grown this Fern very successfully in a deep shade far from 

 the roof, where it served to hide the naked stems of several 

 tall plants of Ficus elastica. The peculiar form of the veins 

 is the least seen in this species. Increased slowly by division. 



C. PHYLLITIDIS (Hart's-tongue). A West-Indian Fern with 

 simple fronds. Similar to the last-named species, but the 

 leaves are narrower, rather longer, and undulate, or wavy, 

 paler green, and more leathery, and it attains a larger mag- 

 nitude. Requires frequently repotting, or it will become 

 potbound. We havs had a plant fill a pot densely with its 



