n] 



CLIMBING AND STRx^GGLING 



37 



spread branching and wiry rachis forms involved thickets on exposed 

 savannahs, or dense undergrowth in woods, often difficult to penetrate. But 

 a [still more formidable obstacle is presented by the "Bramble Ferns," the 

 chief of which is Odontosoria aculeata (Fig. 44): these Ferns in addition to 



Fig. 42. Stenochlaena {Teratophylluiii) aculiata (Bl.), Kze., showing its climbing habit, 

 and dimorphic leaves. (After Karsten.) 



their scrambling habit, and the continued apical growth of their wiry leaves, 

 bear reflexed prickles on the rachis and its branches, which assist the straggler 

 like the prickles of the Bramble or Rose. Thus Ferns are occasionally as 



to theirs. 



