POLYSTICHUM ANGULARE. 



79 



crowded imbricated pinnules. Mr. ^loore remarks that its 

 chief peculiarity consists in the anterior basal pinnule being 

 very much larger than the others, nearly twice as large as the 

 rest, and in being distinctly pinnate nearly its whole length, 

 the little pinnulets being stalked. It is profuse in the pro- 

 duction of sori, and a marked aberration from the normal form. 

 The colour is a Aivid green. The rachis and stipes very scaly, 

 and the habit peculiar, the fronds rising perpendicularly. The 

 plant is unfortunately placed, as large fronds of the Osmunda 

 regalis weep over it, and somewhat obstruct its growth and 

 conceal it from view. This very beautiful variety has been 

 called Tripinnatum in contrast with the Suhtripinnatum, in 

 consequence of its basal pinnules being much more distinctly 

 pinnate, though the plant is on the whole less divided than the 

 Devon form of the variety Proliferum, or the Irish variety 

 Decompositum. 



*».,^^ 



Fig. 47. 



Decompositum, Wollaston. (Fig. 47.) — This is a variety 

 having a most compound or divided form. It is tripinnate, 

 (having distinct pinnae, pinnules, and pinnulets.) The pinnulets 

 are lobed, and the lobes themselves serrated. The pinnae re- 

 semble those of Polystichum aculeatiOn, but are diminutive in 

 size. It resembles Suhtripinnattim, but is more divided. It is 



