FERNS AND LYCOPODS 399 



P. {Niphobolus, also called Cydophorus) lingua, from Northern 

 India and Japan, is almost hardy and one of the best for house 

 ciJture. There are three forms: one variegated, P I. variegata, 

 another crested, P. I. corymhifera, the third having the largest 

 fronds. The fronds are undivided, very feathery in texture and 

 remain in good condition for more than a year. All of them are 

 very readily increased by division. 



P. Heracleum and P. conjugatum are suitable for a warm con- 

 servatory. When well grown they are odd and attractive. The 

 very thick rhizomes grow on the surface of the soil and accommodate 

 themselves in a wonderful way to a limited rooting area by growing 

 in coils. 



POLYSTICHUM (Aspidium). There are many species culti- 

 vated indoors, most prominent among which are P. Tsus-sinense 

 (incorrectly spelled iensemense in catalogues), a miniature fern for 

 fern dishes. P. capense is a good, hardy, ornamental Fern for 

 decorative purposes, one that is cheaply raised and not easily 

 spoiled. From a well filled 6- or 8-inch pot several dozen plants may 

 be raised within a few months. It requires but little heat in Winter. 

 P. proliferum is a species which produces small plantlets upon the 

 fronds. 



PTERIS. There are many good decorative plants in this genus, 

 all of which are easy to propagate. Most of them may be grown in 

 ordinary greenhouse temperature. Of P. serrulala, much used in 

 a small state, there are numerous forms, some of which have beau- 

 tifully crested fronds and others variegated. P. cretica albo-lineata 

 is one of the finest of all variegated Ferns. The barren fronds are 

 nearest the base of the plant; they are shorter and broader than the 

 fertile ones. A broad band of creamy white occupies the middle of 

 each leaf division. This Fern comes true from the spores. P. 

 quadriaurita, a variable species. The most useful form is known as 

 P. q. argyrcea, having a white mark down the center of each frond — 

 a very useful variety in a small state. Pteris tremula is best for using 

 in pots not under 5-inch. It is one of the quickest raised from spores. 

 There are crested forms. The one named P. t. Smithiana has been 

 in the trade for several years. P. Wallichiana and P. inaqualifolia 

 (the latter evidently related to P. semipinnata) are coarse growing. 

 P. haslata and P. macrophylla have very dark green fronds. Both 

 are very liable to insect attacks, unless grown cool. They are both 

 useful in 2- and 3-inch pots. 



