BLECHNUM. 



15 



B. (Salpichlaena) VOlubile — Sal-pich-lai'-na vol-u'-bil-e (twisting), 

 Kaulfuss. 



A singular and distinct, stove species, native of the West Indies, Brazil, 

 and Peru, with stipites (stalks of the fronds) of a climbing nature, furnished 

 with pinnaB (leaflets) disposed in op2:)osite pairs. The leaflets are divided into 

 pinnules (leafits) of a leathery texture, usually four to six on each side of the 

 leaflets, and narrow-spear-shaped ; they are from Gin. to 12in. long, about 2in. 

 broad, and have a peculiarly gristly border. The sori (spore masses), disposed 

 in a continuous line along the midrib, are at first covered by a broad 

 involucre- of parchment-like texture, which afterwards breaks up into short 

 pieces.— iToo^e?^, Species Filicum^ iii., p 63. 



