SCHIZ^A. 



309 



Culture. 



On account of the difficulties with which their culture is beset, Schizteas 

 are seldom met with in general collections ; yet some of the species are well 

 worth a little extra attention. It may be useful to note that where they are 

 found to thrive under cultivation they are invariably grown in a compost of 

 roughly-broken peat and loam, in about equal parts, with ample drainage ; 

 for, although growing naturally in swampy places, they, under culture, greatly 

 dislike stagnant water, though they require frequent and copious waterings 

 at the roots. A position where they are under the influence of ventilation 

 is also beneficial. We have never heard of an instance of Schizseas being 

 raised from spores, although these have frequently been received in England, 

 especially from Australia. 



Principal Species. 



S. australis — aus-tra'-lis (Southern), Gaudichaud. 



A small-growing, stove species, native of the Falkland and Auckland 

 Islands, and of dense habit. Its very short, dark chestnut-brown stalks, 

 channelled in front, pass gradually into the wiry, nearly cylindrical fronds, 

 which are lin. to Sin. long. The fertile segments, somewhat erect, show 

 about six short, stout, nearly spreading spikes on each side. — Hooker, Synopsis 

 Filicum, p. 428. 



S. bifida— bif'-id-a (twice-cleft), Swartz. 



This greenhouse species, native of New Zealand and Temperate and 

 North Australia (whence it was introduced in 1822), is one of the most 

 robust-growing, as also one of the most decorative, of the whole genus. Its 

 chestnut-brown, dense stalks pass gradually into the fronds, which are 6in. 

 to 18in. long, forked generally below the middle, sometimes forked again, 

 casually simple ; they are rush-like in texture and of a very wiry nature, 

 with a prominent, rough midrib, and two narrow, thick wings. The fertile 

 segments, somewhat erect or recurved, are unilateral (one-sided), showing from 

 ten to twenty slender, upright spikes on each side. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, 

 p. 429. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iii., p. 383. 



