LOMAEIA. 



77 



LOMAEIA. 



A large genus of Ferns whose geographical distribution 

 embraces almost every country and climate in the world. The 

 well-known Blechnum spicant of this country, so common at 

 the foot of rocks in Derbyshire, belongs to this genus, under 

 the name of Lomaria spicant. Any person acquainted with 

 this Fern may have a good idea of the whole genus. Lomaria 

 is closely allied to Blecknum, differing from it in its contracted 

 fertile fronds. It will be found that 

 many species of Lomaria which are 

 usually grown in a stove succeed much 

 better, and keep cleaner, if cultivated 

 in a cooler house. 



LOMAEIA ATTENUATA (Thin-leaved). 

 A pinnated, interesting Fern from the 

 Mauritius. Barren fronds lance-shaped, 

 with the edge of the pinnse quite entire, 

 growing about a foot high. The fronds 

 have a pink tinge while young. Fertile 

 fronds pinnate, growing a foot high in 

 the centre of the others. Both kinds are 

 placed on the top of a slender stem or 

 caudex. We have had plants of this 

 species with a stem more than a foot 

 high. The whole plant was then very 

 interesting, looking like a miniature tree 

 Fern. Increased by offsets, which are 

 often produced on the stem. A suitable 



f or sma ll collections. 



' FALCATA (Sickle-shaped). This is 

 also called L. gigantea. It comes from 

 Natal. The dark-green glossy fronds are 2 feet in length. It is 

 one of the most striking Ferns cultivated, and would tell 

 with much effect upon the exhibition-stages. It has not so 



Fig. 39. Lomaria onocle- 

 oides. (Pinna of barren 



natura e i C s e ize f ) fertilefr nd 



