CHAPTER XXV 



MATONIACEAE 

 This family is represented by three species of living Ferns; Matoniapectinata 

 and M. sarmentosa, are well known, both being of limited distribution in 

 the Malayan region. A third species {M. Foxworthyi Copel.) has been de- 

 scribed by Copeland from Amboina, with characters closely resembling those 

 o'i M . pectinata. But Ferns referred to this affinity on the characters of leaf and 

 fructification played a prominent part in the vegetation of the Secondary 

 Rocks, and have been traced back as far as the Rhaetic period: this 

 fact accords with the unmistakeable analogies which they show to the 

 Gleicheniaceae. 



Fig. 496. Habit of Matoiiia pcttiuala from a photograph by Mr Tansley 

 of a group of plants in a wood on Gunong Tundok, Mount Ophir. 

 (From Seward.) 



The living species differ in habit. M. pectinata is a stout, ground- 

 growing species, with elongated creeping rhizome covered by filamentous 

 hairs, and branching in an apparently dichotomous manner. It bears solitary 

 leaves at considerable distances apart, on its upper surface. These grow to 

 a height of 6 to 8 feet, and have a characteristic pedate construction of 

 the lamina, which is referableto a dichotomous system of branching (Fig. 496). 



