PLATYCEEIUM. 



that it is easily increased by that mode. This has also been 

 called Drynaria vulgaris and Pleopeltis phymatodes. 



There are several 

 other stove species in 

 cultivation, the most 

 important of which are 

 P. cuspidata, P. exca- 

 vata, P. nuda, P. Ion- 

 gissima, and P. pelti- 

 dea. 



PLATYCEEIUM. 



A singular yet beau- 

 tiful genus of Ferns, 

 of an epiphytal habit 

 that is, growing on 

 trees. It is separated 

 from Acrostichum on 

 that account, besides 

 its peculiar fructifica- 

 tion. The spore-masses 

 are thickly produced 

 in very large irregular 

 patches towards the 

 upper end of the fertile 

 fronds, and have a great 

 similarity to a piece of 

 rough brown cloth. 

 The name Platycerium 

 is derived from platys, 

 broad, and Jceras, a 

 horn ; the fertile fronds 

 being broad and flat, 

 like the elk's horns. 

 (Elk's-l orn), Fig. 5L This 

 TT 



Fig. 51. Platycerium alcicorne. (Part of fertile 

 frond medium size.) 



PLATYCEEIUM ALCICOENE 



