x. oi»hioghl.ossa^cea.e:. 



Sori on much contracted, spicate or paniculate fertile segments opposite 

 to and springing from tlie base, the centre or the margin of the normal 

 barren segments. Capsules ± globose, opening across the apex or by a slit 

 down the side; ring wanting. 



Rhizome erect, rarely cireeping, sometimes tuberous. Stipes not articu- 

 late to the rhizome. Barren segment of the fronds simple or variously divid- 

 ed; veins free or anastomosiug. 



Tropical and extra-tropical. 



Key to the genera. 



1. Fertile segment spicate. 



9. Capsules sessile or immersed, placed in 2 opposite rows. Barren 

 segment mostly simple; veins anastomosing. 



No. 93. Ophioglossum. 

 9.S. Capsules placed in numerous small, crested clusters spreading in 

 all directions. Barren segment divided; veins free. 



No. 94. Helmintostachys. 



1.1. Fertile segment paniculate; capsules placed in 2 rows on the branches 



of the panicle, on the side directed towards the mostly divided barren 



segment; veins free. No. 95. notrycbium. 



03. OE»JHIOGL.OSSUJ>l, lAnni. 



Capsules sessile or immersed, arranged in 2 opposite rows so as to form 

 a long-stalked, close spike (fertile segment). 



Mostly small and erect, rarely long and pendulous plants. Rhizome short, 

 with 1 —2 or rarely 3 — 4 or more naked, stalked fronds ; each frond with a 

 barren and 1 or rarely more fertile segments ; fertile segments simple or some- 

 times double or triple, opposite to the barren one, arising from its base, cen- 

 tre or margin; barren segment mostly simple, rarely divided; veins reticu- 

 late; costa mostly indistinct. 



Tropical and extra-tropical. 



