XXVll] 



APHLEBIA 



527 



or stipular structures which cannot "be connected with definite 

 species of fronds. It is clear that some Aphlebiod leaflets, such 

 as those of Dactylotheca, served as protective organs for the 



Fig. 351. Scale-leaf of Gunnera manicata. (Slightly reduced. M.S.) 



unexpanded pinnae', and in all probability the large Aphebiae 



served the same purpose as the fleshy stipules of Angiopteris 



and Marattia which cover the uncoiled fronds. The pinnatifid 



1 See p. 406, fig. 293 ; Potonie (03) also figures a young frond of Dactylo- 

 theca plumosa partially covered by Aphlebiae. 



