ACROSTICHUM. 



235 



A. Welwitschii — Wel-wit'-schi-i (Welwitsch's), Baker. 



Like the preceding one, this stove species, of equally small dimensions, 

 is of very little decorative value ; it is, however, rendered interesting by the 

 minute, spear-shaped scales, of a peculiarly rusty colour, with which the 

 under- side of its fronds and the stipes (stalks) bearing them are densely 

 clothed. A native of Angola. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 521. 



A. (Polybotrya) Wilkesianum — Pol-yb-ot'-ry-a ; Wilkes-i-a'-num 

 (Wilkes'), Hooker. 



In this stove species, native of New Caledonia and the Society Islands, 

 where its handsome fronds attain great dimensions, both the pinnre (leaflets) 

 and the pinnules (leafits) arg distinctly jointed at the base. The fronds, 

 which are borne on firm, upright, naked stipes (stalks) Gin. to 9 in. long, 

 frequently measure fully 2ft. in length and 1ft. in breadth. They are cut 

 down to the rachis (midrib), where they are once more divided into numerous 

 equal- sided pinnules of a peculiarly wedge-like form, especially at the 

 base, with the rest of the edge deeply toothed. These fronds are of 

 a coriaceous (leathery) texture and quite glossy ; their fertile leaflets are 

 linear and cylindrical (long, very narrow, and of a round form). The 

 rhizome (prostrate stem), from which the fronds are produced, is long- 

 trailing and naked, or deprived of scales. — Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 217. 



A. Wrightii — Wright'-i-i (Wright's), Mettenius. 



A stove species, of dwarf habit and of purely botanical interest ; native 

 of Cuba. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 401. 



