GLEICHENIA. 



227 



rhizomes (stems) as robust as, and by no means milike, those of the better- 

 known G. flahellata. These fronds, borne on stalks of an equally woolly or 

 scaly nature, are repeatedly dichotomous (several tmies forked) and of variable 

 length ; the pinna3 (leaflets) are from 5in. to 2ft. in length, lin. to Sin. in 

 breadth, pectinato-pinnatifid (comb-like), and divided nearly to the midrib 



Fi^. 51. Portion of Frond of Gleichenia pubescens 

 (greatly reduced). 



(Fig. 51). They are of a dark, dull green colour above, and a little brighter 

 underneath ; their under-surface is densely covered mth a woolly pubescence 

 (down) of a ferruginous (rusty-brown) colour, which adds to the attractiveness 

 of the plant. The sori (spore masses) are composed of capsules disposed from 

 two to five together, often concealed among the pubescence. This species is 



Q 2 



