DIPLAZIUM. 



43 



fronds are dark green, and very thick and leathery. It was 

 introduced from Java. 



D. AEBOEESCENS (Tree-like) .A tall Fern from St. Helena, 

 nearly hardy enough for the greenhouse. It grows beautifully 

 planted out in a shady part of a conservatory. Fronds bipin- 

 nate; the lower pinnae spread out, the upper ones gradually 

 shortening-in. They grow 3 feet long, and are of a pleasing 

 light green. The leaves are cut at the edges. The stems are 

 scaly, and the rootstock is erect. It must be increased by 

 spores. 



D. COAKCTATTTM (Close-pressed). A handsome Brazilian 

 Fern, reaching 1| foot in height. The fronds are pinnate; 

 the pinnae with a footstalk to each. The leaflets are cut at the 

 edges, and thickly set, or close-pressed on the stalk. The 

 rootstock is erect : consequently cannot be divided, and, there- 

 fore, the species must be increased by seeds. 



D. DECTJSSATUM (Crossed). This is the Asplenium decus- 

 satum of Wallich. It is an East-Indian species, rather coarse 

 in habit, but a free grower. Fronds pinnate, and covered with 

 woolly-like hairs. It grows 3 feet high, and is easily increased 

 by its creeping rhizome. 



D. JTJGLANDIFOLIUM (Walnut-leaved). This is a well-known 

 South-American Fern. A specimen formerly grown in the 

 garden of Mrs. Lawrence, Ealing Park, was 5 feet high, and as 

 much through. In general it does not grow more than 2 feet 

 high. The fronds are pinnate, and of a bright green. Leaflets 

 large and slightly cut. Rootstock bundled that is, many 

 heads of fronds set upon it. One or more of these taken off 

 close to the base, and placed in pots under a hand-light in heat, 

 soon emit roots, and form a good plant. 



D. PLANTAGINEUM (Plantain-leaved), Fig. 21. The only 

 one of the genus with simple fronds. It is from the West 

 Indies, and is of a dwarf habit, producing young plants from 

 the base of the frond. The fronds are nearly all fertile. On 

 account of its dwarf habit it is suitable for small collections. 



