5 5 2 Filices Gymnogramme. 



Polypodium or Niphobolus Lingua has coriaceous entire 

 strap-shaped fronds, rusty tomentose beneath. It is a native 

 of Japan and other Eastern countries. 



12. GYMNOGRlMME. 



This is a very large genus containing nearly one hundred 

 species, chiefly from tropical climates. Like the last, it has 

 naked sori, but here they are linear. The name is from 7^10?, 

 naked, and ypa/jL^ writing, in reference to the naked sori. 



1. G. leptophylla. This is a dwarf fragile annual species 

 with bi- or tri -pinnate tufted fronds and narrow linear pinnules. 

 The inner fronds are on longer stipes, and more fruitful than 

 the outer. It is a very widely distributed plant, and may be 

 raised from spores with very little trouble. 



SUB-ORDER II. HymenophylleaB. 



Rootstock creeping. Fronds circinnate in vernation, very de- 

 licate and almost transparent, with reticulate veins. Involucre 

 bivalved or bilabiate. Spore-cases sessile, on a clavate or fili- 

 form receptacle surrounded with a complete oblique or trans- 

 verse ring. 



13. HYMEKOPHTLLUM. 



Fronds small, twice to four times pinnatifid or pinnate ; 

 pinnules with a midrib and no lateral veins. Sori marginal, 

 axillary or terminal. Involucre bivalved, of the same texture 

 as and sunk in the frond, or free. Spore-cases sessile, on a co- 

 lumnar receptacle within the involucre ; ring oblique. There are 

 seventy species known, chiefly from tropical and south temperate 

 regions. The name is from V/JLTJV^ a membrane, and (j>v\\ov, a 

 leaf, from the texture of the fronds. 



1. H. Tunbridgense. Fronds 1 to 4 inches high, ovate, 

 pinnate at the base, pinnatifid upwards ; pinnules linear, 

 undivided or bifid, bristly toothed. Involucre toothed. This 

 elegant little plant grows in dense matted patches, and in habit 

 resembles more some of the Hepdticce than the true Ferns. It 

 is found in moist, shady situations in many parts of Britain, 

 and throughout Europe from Belgium southwards, and also in 

 the south temperate regions. 



2. H. unilaterale, syn. H. Wilsoni. This is very near the 

 last, but it has recurved darker green more rigid pinnae, and 

 entire lips to the involucres. It has about the same range as 

 No. 1. 



