THE MALE FERN 



145 



regions; it also occurs in the Andes and in Africa. As 

 will be seen from Fig. 43, it has a short but stout stem, 

 which gives an appearance of being much thicker than 



FIG. 43. MALE FERN (LASTREA FILIS-MAS). MUCH REDUCED. 

 a, b, Apex and base of stem; c, c, young fronds showing circinate vernation 



it actually is, because it is covered with the bases of 

 past leaves. Note the crozier-like appearance of the 

 young leaves (cc); this is known to the botanist as 

 " circinate vernation," and is characteristic of the Ferns. 



19 



