CHAPTER XV. 



DICTYOXIPHIUM, Hooker. 

 (Dic-ty-ox-iph'-i-um. ) 



N Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum " this monotypic 

 genus, wMch derives its name from dictyon, a net, and xiphos, 

 a sword (in allusion to the form of its sword-shaped fronds 

 with netted veins), forms Genus 20. It is closely allied to 

 Linclsaya, the sori (spore masses) being, as in that genus, 

 marginal and continuous ; the two-valved involucre also is similar, but differs, 

 inasmuch as its outer valve is obsolete. 



Culture. 



A compost of two parts peat or leaf mould, one of rich fibrous loam, 

 and one of sand is that which best suits D. panamense. It must at all 

 times of the year be hberally watered at the roots. Though averse to bright 

 sunhght, the plant requires very little shading. Propagation is effected by 

 division of the crowns. 



D. panamense — pan-am-en'-se (native of Panama), Booker. 



The habitat of this very singular, stove, evergreen species, appears to be 

 restricted to the Isthmus of Panama, where it was found by Cuming, and to 

 New Grenada, where Purdie discovered it. The plant has quite entire fronds, 

 which, either barren or fertile, are 2ft. to 3ft. long, sessile (stalkless), and 



