Portion of fertile Frond— under side. 



DICTYOXIPHIUM PANAMENSE. 



Hooker. J. Smith. 



PLATE LX1X. 



VOL. VIII. 



Dictyoxiphium — Signifying a sword, in allusion to the form of the frond, 

 and a net, to its reticulated veins. Panamense — Of Panama. 



A very distinct-looking Fern, singular in appearance, and 

 rare. 



An evergreen stove species. 



Native of the Isthmus of Panama, where it was found by 

 Cuming, and of New Grenada, where it was found by Purdie. 



Somewhat erect in habit. 



Fronds glabrous, simple, entire, linear-lanceolate in form, or 

 ensiform, coriaceous, attenuated towards the base and apex, and 

 decurrent on the stipes. Rhizoma fasciculate, stout, and erect. 



Stipes short, and, as well as the mid vein, scaly. 



Sori linear, marginal, continuous, and double. Indusiuin 

 linear and continuous, and opening from the upper surface of 

 the frond. 



Fertile fronds contracted. 



Veins internal, compoundly anastomosing, with free veinlcts 

 terminating in the arcoles. 



Length of frond from twenty -four to thirty-six inches, width 



