CHAPTER IV 



CASSEBEERA, Kaulfuss. 

 (Cas-seb-ee'-ra.) 



N"LY three species, all of Brazilian origin, are embraced in tliis 

 small genus, known as Genus 26 in Hooker and Baker's 

 " Synopsis Filicum," and the name of which is of obscure 

 derivation. The plants are closely related to the better-known 

 Cheilanthes, some of which are also by some authors called 

 Cassebeeras. The distinctive characters of the genus reside in the sori (spore 

 masses) being terminal on the veins, sub-globose (nearly spherical) or oblong, 

 not reaching beyond the branches of a single vein ; also in the involucre 

 (covering of the spore masses) being inserted distinctly within the margin, 

 and separate from it, of the same shape as the sorus, and pressed down 

 upon it. 



Culture. 



All three species require stove treatment, and the soil which suits them 

 best is peat of a sandy nature, allowing a free passage to the water, wliich 

 should be liberally administered to the roots. 



Species. 



C. gleichenioides — glei-che-ni-o-i'-des (Grleichenia-like), Gardner. 



This very distinct and peculiar Fern, with the habit of a Gleichenia, 

 is a native of the Diamond District, Brazil. Its singular fronds, 6in. to 

 9in. long and borne on stout, erect, polished stalks Gin. long, are bipinnate 

 (twice divided to the midrib) ; they are furnished with linear leaflets lin. 

 to 2in. long, of a leathery texture, and borne on distinct, short stalks. 



