CARL CHRISTENSEN AND CARL SKOTTSBERG 



Polystichlim Roth emend. Schott 



21. P. Berteriamim (Colla) C. Chr. Ind. 579; Arkiv for Bot. 10: 19 

 (1910). — Syn. Aspidium Berterianum Colla 1836: 42 tab. 70; A. flexnm Kze 

 Anal. 44 (1837); Hemsl. 75; Johow 1893: 34 f. 18, 1896: 164. A. capense 

 Hemsl., Johow 11. cc. 



This is the most wide-spread fern in the islands, growing from near the 

 sea level to the highest ridges in Masatierra and reaching the subalpine heath 

 in Masafuera. In habit it varies a great deal according to external conditions; 

 the form of the sunny places is easily mistaken for P. adiantiforme Forst. In 

 sheltered places it grows larger, with a plane, less rigid frond. — Fertile at 

 any season, principally in late summer and autumn. 



Masatierra: Common in all the valleys and on the dividing ridges (in 

 the devastated areas mostly confined to the shallow ravines), from Pto Frances 

 to Juanango, and, on the south side, as far west as B. Chupones (Tierra Ama- 

 rilla). Also noted in Cave X near the landing-place in B. Cumberland. (Nos. 

 54, 149, 281, 588, 612.) 



Masafuera: In the canyons and on the dividing ridges and plains, from 

 B. Tolten round the island to Q. Loberia; also among rocks in the subal pine- 

 alpine heath, at least to 1100 m. Small specimens on C. Atravesado, c. 1350 m. 

 (Nos. 449, 552, 554.) 



We are absolutely convinced that only one species of the group of P. 

 adiantiforme (Aspidium capense) occurs in the islands. The single specimen 

 referred to the last mentioned by FfEMSLEY has turned out to be only P. Ber- 

 terianum. On the other hand we cannot agree with Johow who proposed to 

 reduce P. Berterianum to a variety or form of adiantiforme. In Arkiv for Bot. 

 1. c. the differences are pointed out, and the characters mentioned there hold 

 good with one exception: the pinnae are often alternate. Most specimens show 

 the brown drops of gum on both surfaces never observed in adiantiforme. 



Area of distribution: Endemic. 



22. P. vestitum (Forst.) Pr. Tent. 83 (1836); C. Chr. Ind. 5S8. -- Syn. 

 Polypodium vestitum Forst. Prodr. 82 (1786); Aspidium vestitum S'w.; Mett. Aspid. 

 no. ioi var. b; A. aculeatum Hemsl. 74; Johow 1893: 33 f. 17, 1896: 164; 

 PolysticJmm orbiculatum C. Chr. Arkiv for Bot. 10: 18 (1910). 



Fairly common in well-watered ravines and in the woods, from a few 

 hundred m to the elevated ridges, in Masafuera also in the alpine region. 

 Fertile specimens may be seen at any time, but are probably commoner during 

 the summer and autumn. 



Masatierra: C. Chifladores, slopes above Pto Frances, c. 500 m, common 

 in the forest; C. Centinela, from 530 m upwards; Q. Damajuana, waterfall at 

 250 m (no. 53); C. Central, in clearings, c. 400 m; quebradas in the bottom 

 of V. Colonial (nos. 48, 152, 334), also in thickets of Aristote/ia maqui near 

 the road to Portezuelo (no. 1174); C. Salsipuedes, brushwood on the ridge, 



