SELA GIN ELL AS. 163 



more closely-growing S. densa so much cultivated. But, 

 whether there are two species or one, the plants are 

 charming. S. densa, when well started, forms a solid 

 turf on a pan in a short time. Little tufts rnay be pricked 

 out in different parts of the pan, and will grow together. 

 This species does not generally thrive in the fern-case 

 with other plants. 



IV. PLANTS WITH FRONDS SPRINGING FROM A CENTRAL 

 POINT. 



S. convoluta, Spring. From Tropical America. Often 

 called Lycopodiuin convolntum and L. paradoxa. A 

 dark-green species, with rather rigid fronds. 



S. involvens, Spring. From India. More circular in form. 

 This and 



S. cuspidata, Link, from Tropical America, are dry-looking 

 species. In fact, all the Selaginellas in this section ap- 

 parently grow in countries where there is a dry season 

 at some time of the year. If not watered sufficiently, 

 they will curl up rather than wilt as other species do. 



5*. pilifera. Another of the same general habit. 



S. lepidophylla, Spring. From Mexico. This is the cu- 

 rious ball-like plant which in its dead and dry condition 

 is peddled in the streets of Boston and other cities as 

 the " resurrection-plant." When this dry ball is placed 

 in water it soon unfolds, looking as if it were alive; 

 but it is not, and many have been the disappointed 

 persons who have vainly endeavored to make a speci- 

 men grow. The water is absorbed in a purely mechani- 

 cal way by the plant, just as oil is drawn up into lamp- 

 wicks by capillary attraction. The true "resurrection- 

 plant," or "rose of Jericho," is the Anastatica hiero- 

 chuntina of Syria, which is supposed by the superstitious 

 to unfold yearly at the day and hour of Christ's birth. 



