198 



broad, linear, oblong, with the apex acuminate; 

 margin entire or toothed. Surfaces naked, 

 shining. Texture herbaceous to almost lea- 

 thery. Veins almost parallel. [Plate XIV.] 



Distribution : Bombay Presidency North 

 Kanara, Castle Rock, by a stream in ever- 

 green forest, Katgal ; Vetora (Savantwadi) by 

 a stream on a hill ; Southern Konkan. 



Throughout the Indian region up to 7,000 

 feet. Japan ; Tropical Australia ; New Cale- 

 donia ; Madagascar ; Polynesia. 



Also cultivated. 



SUB-ORDER vi. OPHIOGLOSSACP:^ 



Sporangia deeply two-valved, opening down 

 the side nearly to the base, without a ring ; 

 vernation erect. Fronds bearing a sterile and 

 fertile branch on the same stem. 



GENUS LII. OPHIOGLOSSUM L. 



(Deriv. Ophis, a snake ; f^lossa, a tongue.) 

 Sporangia sessile, arranged in two rows, 

 forming a narrow close spike which arises from 

 the base or centre of the barren segment, 

 rarely distinct, rising direct from the rhizome ; 

 veins reticulate ; fronds simple, entire, rarely 

 palmate. 



