G YMNO GRA MME. 



257 



G. j. tessellata — tes-sel-la-ta (tessellated), Williams. 



A pretty and totally distinct variety, ditFering from the species through 

 its foliage being of a much thinner texture than in the type, and of a mottled 

 yellowish tint, produced by the transparency of the veins, which are reticulated 

 and beautifully shown when the plant is fertile. 



G. (Eugymnogramme) javanica — Eu-gym-nog-ram'-me ; ja-van'-ic-a 

 (Javanese), Blume. 



This stove species, native of the Sandwich, Fiji, and Malayan Islands, also 

 of Japan and Northern India, where it grows at an altitude of 8000ft., is, 

 in general appearance, very similar 

 to the foregoing species ; but, 

 besides being of a more elegant 

 habit, it is also of much larger 

 dimensions, for its fronds, which, 

 like those of G. japonica, are 

 pinnate or bipinnate, and produced 

 from a thiclc, underground, creeping- 

 rhizome (stem), are 1ft. to 4ft. long, 

 and borne on stalks of similar 

 length and of a flexible nature. 

 The leaflets, oblong-spear-shaped, 

 3in. to 12in. long, and lin. to 

 3in. broad, are sessile (stalkless) or 

 slightly stalked (Fig. 63), acuminate 

 (terminating in a sharp point) at 

 the apex, and with their edge 

 sometimes smooth, sometimes finely 

 toothed ; they are of a firm, papery 

 texture, and glossy on both sides, 

 though sometimes slightly hairy 



underneath. The sori (spore masses) are disposed on the veins and run 

 along all of them, but stop a space short of the edge. — Hooker, Species 

 Filicum, v., p. 145. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 105. Beddome, 

 Ferns of British India, t. 57. 



VOL. II. s 



Fi^. 63. Gymnogramme Javanica 

 (much reduced). 



