CHAPTER XXV. 



HEMITELIA, Broim. 

 (He-mit-e'-li-a.) 



OMPOSED of tropical species of arborescent liabit resembling 

 Cyatheas, this genus forms as it Avere a connecting link 

 between those plants and the Alsophilas, and the species are 

 often difficult to recognise — a circumstance that accounts for 

 the popular error respecting H. capensis, which is usually 

 called Alsopkila capensis. The name Hemitelia is derived from hemi, half, 

 and telia, a lid, in reference to the shape of the indusium (covering) of 

 the sori (spore masses), which is in the form of a scale, situated on their 

 under-side, varying in size, shape, and texture, and often deciduous. The 

 sori themselves, invariably situated upon a vein or veinlet, are roundish, and, 

 when seen through a magnifying lens, appear to resemble mulberry fruits in 

 miniature. Hemitelia represents an important section of the tribe Cyathece., 

 and in Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum " forms Genus 5. Although 

 not numerous, the species are widely scattered over tropical countries, four or 

 five being native of South America, the same quantity being indigenous to India, 

 Ceylon, and the Pacific Islands, while others are of West Indian or of New 

 Zealand origin. The plants are all furnished with ample fronds, simply pinnate 

 (only once divided to the midrib) or decompound (many times divided) ; their 

 veins are simple or branched, free or, those on the ribs especially, more or 

 less intercrossing. To those with all the veins free T. Moore gave the name 

 Amphicosmia, which has not been retained. 



