LYG ODIUM PALMATUM. 



PALMATE-LEAVED SNAKES' TONGUE. 

 Cryptogamia filices, Linn. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Spikes unilateral. Capsules in two series, opening on the inner side from the base to 

 the summit. Indusiwn, (or veil,) squamiform, covering each capsule. 



SYNONYMS. 



Hydroglossum palmatum, Willd. and others. 

 Cteissium paniculatum, Michaux. 



Stem twining, fronds conjugate, leaflets lobed, entire, spikelets pa- 

 niculate. The only continental species known — the other species be- 

 ing natives of the West Indies. Whole plant entirely smooth, deli- 

 cate, and twining. Stem sienna-brown, very smooth and shining. 

 Fronds in pairs, and lobed, lobes from four to eight in number, obtuse, 

 irregularly entire, somewhat glaucous on the under side, common 



