XX] MATONINEAE 291 



(fig. 225), frequently showing an arrested rachis bud in the 

 forks^ protected by modified pinnules (fig. 226, D, E). In 

 Plaiyzovia the leaves are simple, reaching a length of 

 20 — 30 cm., and bear small revolute oval segments, 



Oleichenia is represented by several species in the tropics 

 and extends to south temperate and Antarctic latitudes. The 

 species 0. dichotoma (= G. linearis) is one of the more successful 

 tropical ferns, while G. moniliformis (by some authors recog- 

 nised as a distinct genus, Stromatopteris) is peculiar to New 

 Caledonia. The monotypic genus Platyzoma is a xerophilous 

 Australian fern. The Gleicheniaceae are unrepresented in 

 existing north temperate floras. 



Matonineae. (Matonia.) 



The genus Matonia, placed in the Cyatheaceae by Sir 

 William Hooker and compared by other authors also with 

 the Gleicheniaceae, is now included in a special family. The 

 sori are circular and consist of 5 — 11 large sporangia (fig. 224, 

 E, G) sessile on a central columnar receptacle which spreads 

 out into an umbrella-like indusium (D, i) with its incurved 

 margin tucked in below the ring of sporangia. The indusium 

 is detached when the sporangia are ripe. The annulus 

 is oblique and incomplete and often slightly sinuous; it 

 agrees in the main with that of Gleichenia. The species 

 Matonia pectinata is characterised by dichotomously branched 

 fronds (figs. 227, 228) with long and slender petioles; the 

 pinnae bear linear pinnules with forked lateral veins and 

 occasional lateral anastomoses (fig. 224, F). The only other 

 living representative is M. sarmentosa, discovered by Mr 

 Charles Hose at Niah, Sarawak^: this species has long 

 pendulous leaves apparently very different from those of 

 M. pectinata, but the branching of the frond may be regarded as 

 a modification of a primitive form of dichotomy ». A small bud 

 occurs in the angle between the forked linear segments and the 

 rachis, as in some species of Gleichenia*. Matonia is confined to 



1 Goebel (05) p. 318. ^ Baker (88). 



3 DielB, in Engler and Prantl (02) pp. 343, 344. * Compton (09). 



