DA VALLIA. 



145 



pinnules (leafits) are cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), 

 except towards their extremity, into narrow, deeply-pinnatifid segments, on 

 the teeth of which the minute and numerous spore masses are disposed. The 

 rhizomes, which are of a peculiarly wiry nature, do not bury themselves in 

 the ground. — Hooker^ Species Filicum., i., p. 158, t. 51b. Nicholson, Dictionary 

 of Gardeiiing, i., p. 446. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viii., t. 16. 



D. Ornata — or-na'-ta (ornamental). A form of D. solida. 



D. (Eudavallia) pallida — Eu-dav-ar-li-a ; paF-lid-a (pale), Mettenius. 



This beautiful, stove species (see Plate), native of Aneiteum and Borneo, 

 and usually known as D. Mooreana, is undoubtedly one of the handsomest 

 decorative Ferns known. Its robust fronds, of an elongated -triangular form, 

 2ft. to 3ft. long, and four times pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib), are 

 produced on rhizomes (prostrate stems) as thick as one's finger, wide -creeping, 

 and covered with spear-shaped scales of a dark brown colour ; they are borne 

 on smooth, naked stalks 1ft. to l|-ft. long, and furnished with triangular 

 leaflets, the lowest, which usually are also the largest, frequently measuring 

 6in. to Sin. broad at their base. The pinnules (leafits) and their segments 

 are staJked and wedge-shaped at then- base ; they are of a firm and somewhat 

 leathery texture, the lobes into which they are finally divided, and upon 

 which the spore masses are disposed on the upper side at the base, being 

 blunt and wedge-shaped. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 469. Nicholson, 

 Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 446. 



In a young state D. pallida has a great resemblance to D. immersa, from 

 which it is, hoAvever, easily distinguished by the involucre (covering) of its 

 spore masses, which is marginal, funnel-shaped, and deep, also by its evergreen 

 character. When fully developed, there cannot possibly be any confusion 

 between the two plants, the size and division of their fronds, as well as 

 their texture, being totally difi'erent. That the merits of D. pallida are fully 

 appreciated by Fern-growers in general, is amply demonstrated by the fact that 

 huge specimens of it are to be seen at all flower shows, for which purpose it 

 is admirably adapted. It is a Fern of ra23id growth, possessing the great 

 advantage, from the decorator's point of view, of making a large specimen in 

 a comparatively small pot. The dehghtful pale green colour of its fronds 

 also renders the plant very attractive. 



VOL. n. X 



