NEPHRODIUM. 



473 



where, according to Beddome, it grows in beds of rivers at an elevation of 

 3000ft. to 4000ft. Its fronds, which are freely produced from a creeping 

 rhizome (prostrate stem), are of a firm, parchment-hke texture and borne on 

 naked or slightly downy stalks 4in. to Sin. long ; they are oblong-spear- 

 shaped and measure 1ft, to IJft. in length and 6in. to 8in. in breadth. The 

 leaflets, Sin. to 4in. long and Jin. broad, are slightly dented on the margin, 

 closely set, and cut a quarter of the way (or less) down into blunt lobes, 

 several of the lower pairs being short and distant (Fig. 115), much contracted, 

 and frequently auricled (eared) above. The veinlets are distant, three or four 

 on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in close rows. The whole 

 of the plant is slightly hairy and of a most pleasing pale green shade. 

 N. Hookeri is identical with this species. — Hooker, S-pecies Filicum, iv., p. 74. 

 Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Beddome, Ferns of Southern 

 India, t. 87. ' 



N. (Eunephrodium) aridum — Eu-neph-ro'-di-um ; ar'-id-um (arid). 

 Baker. 



A gigantic-growing, stove species, native of Northern India, the Philippines, 

 and the Malayan Islands ; it is particularly well adapted for planting out in 

 the warm conservatory, where its magnificent fronds, which are of a somewhat 

 upright habit, can attain their fall development. These fronds are produced 

 from a thick, decumbent rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on erect, round, 

 naked stalks 1ft. or more long ; they are oft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to IJft. broad, 

 and are furnished with leaflets 6in. to 9in. long, lin. broad, of a leathery 

 texture, and cut about one-third of the way down into nearly triangular, 

 sharp-pointed lobes. The veinlets are from eight to ten on a side, and the 

 sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows about midway between the midrib 

 and the edge. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 291. Beddome, Ferns of British 

 India, t. 297. 



N. (Lastrea) aristatum — Las'-tre-a ; ar-is-ta'-tum (awned). Synonymous 

 with N. Otaria. 



N. (Eunephrodium) articulatum— Eu-neph-ro'-di-um ; ar-tic-ul-a'-tum 

 (articulated). A synonym of N. pennigerum. 



