CTENOPTERIS VULGARIS. 



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COMMON POLYPODY, {one-fourth the natural size). 



Genus. — Ctenopteeis. Midvein distinct : lateral veins of 

 the pinnae or pinnules branched, free, swollen or capitate at 

 their extremities ; the anterior branch simple, generally termi- 

 nating midway between the midvein and the margin, bearing a 

 cluster of capsules at its extremity ; the posterior branch is 

 twice or thrice dichotomously divided, the capitate extremities 

 usually forming a line parallel to the margin : involucre none : 

 caudex a stout succulent rhizome, usually attached by means 

 of its radicles to the surface of a rock, the bark of a tree, &c., 

 thus always having a pseudo-parasitic or climbing appearance, 

 cylindrical, branched, extending itself at the extremities, at 

 first densely clothed with scales, but as these fall off becoming 

 smooth and naked ; of slow growth, tough and very enduring, 

 here and there marked with nearly circular scars, the site of 

 fallen fronds, which, though persistent through the winter, are 



G 



