2 go 



RHIZOME 



(e.g. Bracken). In the creeping forms, the leaves usually arise in 

 a row, on either side, and are separated by well-marked internodes 

 (Fig. 158, B). In short-stemmed species, however, whether the 

 rhizome be erect or inclined (e.g. Male Shield Fern, Nephrodiumfilix- 

 mas l ), the leaves are densely crowded, and show an obvious spiral 

 arrangement. In the more compact forms a conspicuous feature 



FIG. 158. The Bracken (Pteris aquilina). A, Diagranu>f transverse section 

 of rhizome. Scl., sclerenchyma ; St., steles. B, Rhizome showing 

 apex with growing point (g.p.), successively older leaves (I, II, III), 

 and the bases of leaves of former seasons. C, Young frond. 



of the rhizome, which adds appreciably to its apparent thickness, 

 are the adhering bases of the leaves, which persist after lamina 

 and petiole have died away. All the roots of the adult Fern 

 are adventitious (Fig. 158, B) ; they usually arise in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the leaf-bases, and are generally black in colour 

 and forked. 



The young leaf is mostly more or less densely clothed with 

 1 Also known as Aspidium filix-mas and Lastraafilix-mas. 



