42 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



an Australian species bearing no outward resemblance to any other Ciymno- 

 grammes, but appearing to be more closely allied to Asplenium Ceterach. Its 

 pinnate fronds are stiff and furnished with roundish pinnaa, the under side of 

 which is densely clothed with brown scales, whereas the upper surface, which 

 is of a bright green, is dotted all over with scales of a brilliant silvery nature, 

 producing a pleasing effect, and simulating a sort of regular and perfectly 

 constant variegation, entirely distinct from that of any other Fern. The other 

 is Nephrodium albo-punctatum, a plant of medium growth, whose dark and 

 leathery foliage is freely dotted with white. 



On account of their affinity, we shall, to complete this section, include 

 several variegated forms of Selaginellas, the most popular, the most useful, 

 and the best-known of which is S. Martensii variegata. This variety has kept 

 the habit and vigour of the sub-erect growing type, although the broad, dark 

 leaves, clothing the numerous stems — which, on their under-side, produce a 

 great quantity of roots — are profusely blotched with white. The latter charac- 

 teristic, although not quite constant, is reproduced by means of cuttings. 

 S, Kraussiana variegata (or, as it is more commonly but erroneously named, 

 S. clenticulata variegata) is a variety of the species so extensively used for 

 edgings, and for covering the surface of the pots of plants kept in the dwelling- 

 room. It is not, however, adapted to the latter purpose, but is found exceed- 

 ingly useful for edgings, for pot-culture, or for planting in rockeries ; in all 

 of which positions its minute and dense foliage, beautifully tipped with white, 

 is most effective. This interesting little plant requires, during the winter, to 

 be kept close to the light, in order to prevent its damping off. The last and 

 most distinct variegated Selaginella is a form of S. involvens, which belongs 

 to the " tabuliform " section of the Club Mosses. It forms a pretty, dwarf tuft, 

 consisting of an overlapping series of branches disposed round a central axis, 

 and furnished with innumerable small branchlets ; some of the branchlets are 

 creamy- white, and these, being abundantly produced and being mixed with the 

 green foliage, make it an elegantly-variegated plant. 



In the appended list of variegated Ferns, the species and varieties marked 

 with an asterisk (*) are hardy ; those marked with a dagger (f) require stove 

 temperature all the year round ; while those which are not specially marked 

 thrive under common greenhouse treatment. For the stove and greenhouse 

 temperatures, see page 27. 



