THE 



BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS 



VOL. Ill, 



CHAPTER L 



OCHROPTERIS, /. Smith. 

 (O-chrop'-ter-is.) 



N Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum " Ochropteris forms 

 Genus 22, and occupies a position intermediate between 

 Adiantum and Lonchitis in the tribe Pteridece. The name is 

 derived from ochros, pale, and pteris, a Fern, in reference to 

 the colour of the plant. This genus is monotypic, that is 

 to say, it comprises but one species : this is a beautiful and very rare 

 Fern, having the general habit and texture of an ample-fronded and much- 

 divided Davallia ; its distinguishing character is seen in the disposition of 

 the spore masses, and in the nature of their covering, formed of the margin 

 of the frond and partaking of its texture. The plant requires an abundance 

 of heat and moisture all the year round, and a compost of three parts 

 peat, two parts sand, and one part loam. Like the majority of Ferns from 

 the same habitat, it is averse to strong light. We are not aware that this 

 interesting plant has ever been raised from spores either in this or in 

 any other country in Europe. 



vol. III, B 



