CHAPTER III 



BRAINEA, Flooker. 

 (Brai'-ne-a.) 



HE genus Bralnea, which was created by Hooker in com- 

 memoration of C. J. Braine, Esq., of Hong-Kong, is, up to 

 the present time, represented by a solitary species, B. insignis, 

 a sub -arborescent Indian and Chinese Fern resembling Blechnum 

 in general appearance, but with naked sori (spore masses 

 devoid of indusium, or covering) and with veins forming costular areolae 

 (little cells along the costa or mid vein). Brainea forms Genus 53 in 

 Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum." Its distinctive characters consist in 

 the sori being continuous along transverse veins near the midrib, and being 

 also produced along the small veins in the direction of the edge of the leaflets, 

 which they at length entirely cover. 



Culture. 



The roots of B. insignis are of a remarkably brittle nature, and great care 

 must be taken in repotting ; if that operation is done in a careless manner 

 a certain quantity of roots are mutilated, and the chances are that the plant 

 Avill never recover. The compost which it prefers is a mixture of fibrous 

 peat and loam in equal parts, with the addition of some sharp sand ; it also 

 requires thoroughly good drainage, as it should receive plenty of water at 

 the roots and on the stem. It is usually propagated from spores, which 

 germinate freely. 



