256 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



trees. The plant lias a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), densely clothed 

 with large, spear-shaped scales of a dull brown colour. The fronds are simple 

 (undivided). Sin. to 12in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, very pointed at their 

 summit, but gradually narrowed towards the base to a short, broad, compressed 

 stem. The texture, though leathery and thick, is flaccid ; both surfaces are 

 naked, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in long, parallel, very oblique 

 lines reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge.— iTco-^er, Species Filicum^ 

 v., p. 155. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 50, 



G. (Selliguea) japonica — Sel-li'-gue-a ; jap-on'-ic-a (from Japan), . 

 Desvaux. 



This interesting and highly decorative, greenhouse species, usually known 

 under the name of Dictyogramme japonica, is, as its name implies, a native 

 of Japan, though hardly distinct in general appearance from G. jaiianica. Its 

 fronds, IJft. to 2ft. long and 1ft. broad, are produced from a stout, fleshy, 

 underground, creeping rhizome (stem), and borne on stout, fleshy stalks of 

 quite upright habit and chestnut -brown colour ; they are simply pinnate 

 (once divided to the midrib) or sometimes twice pinnate at the base, and 

 their leaflets, 6in. to 12in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, narrow- oblong, entire 

 (undivided), and pointed at their extremity, are of a very dark green colour. 

 The sori (spore masses), usually disposed on all the veins, extend from 

 the midrib to the edge. — Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 151. Nicholson, 

 F>ictionary of Gardeni?ic/, ii., p. 105. 



When first introduced, this very useful species was expected to become 

 a good evergreen Fern for outdoor culture. In that respect, at least, it has 

 not answered our expectations, as it will only bear a few degrees of frost, and 

 can hardly be called an evergreen, as the old fronds, although dying down 

 gradually, have all disappeared by the time the new ones make theii- appear- 

 ance. The general aspect of the plant is that of a broad-leaved Fteris cretica 

 of a very dark colour and stifl" habit. It is a great lover of moisture, and to 

 do well requires a quantity of water at the roots all the year round. The 

 soil which suits it best is a mixture of about equal quantities of peat and 

 fibrous loam. The plant has a great antipathy to being potted hard, and 

 particularly dislikes Avater on the fronds, which turn black in a very short 

 time if subjected to frequent syringings. 



