LASTREA. llo 



Lastrea dilatata, Presl. 



Broad PricUiJ-toothed BucJder Fern. (Plate IX, fig. 2.) 



This is one of tlie most comjyjund and handsome as well 

 as common of our native Ferns. It forms a large tufted stock 

 or stem, and has Inroad arclied fronds, ■which average about a 

 couple of feet in height, thoiigh it is sometimes met with 

 smaller, and often, when lu.xuriant, reaches a height of 

 five feet. They are almost always more or less drooping 

 or curved, and seldom grow erect, as those of cristata, 

 uluiinosa, and spimdosa do. The general outline is ovate- 

 lanceolate, thougli in this, one of the most variable of 

 Ferns, the form varies considerably, becoming sometimes 

 narrow elongate lanceolate on the one hand, and short 

 broad almost triano-ular on tlie other. The followino- 



o o 



description applies to the more usual, or what is considered 

 the typical form. 



The fronds are ovate, lance-shaped in outline, on a 

 stipes of moderate length, which stipes is much thickened 

 at the base, and densely clothed with entire, lance-shaped, 

 pointed scales, of a very dark brown colour in the centre, 

 but nearly transparent at the margins. They are bi])in- 

 nate, Avitli elongate- triangular or tapering pinnoo, placed 



I 2 



