198 
broad, linear, oblong, with the apex acuminate; 
margin entire or toothed. Surfaces naked, 
shining. Texture herbaceous to almost lea- 
thery. Veins almost parallel. [Plate XIV.j 
Distribution: Bombay Presidency—North 
Kanara, Castle Rock, by a stream in ever- 
green forest, Katgal; Vetora (Savantwadi) by 
a stream on a hill; Southern Konkan. 
Throughout the Indian region up to 7,000 
feet,—Japan ; Tropical Australia ; New Cale- 
donia ; Madagascar; Polynesia. 
Also cultivated. 
SUB-ORDER VI—OPHIOGLOSSACE/: 
Sporangia deeply two-valved, opening down 
the side nearly to the base, without a ring ; 
vernation erect. Fronds bearing a sterile and ~ 
fertile branch on the same stem. 
Genus LII.—OpuioGiossum L. 
(Deriv. Ophis, a snake; glossa, a tongue.) 
Sporangia sessile, arranged in two rows, 
forming a narrow close spike which arises from 
the base or centre of the barren segment, 
rarely distinct, rising direct from the rhizome ; 
veins reticulate; fronds simple, entire, rarely 
palmate. 
