CHAPTER XXI. 



ALLAHTODIA, Wallich. 

 (AU-an-to'-di-a.) 



HE name of this genus, which in the "Synopsis Filicum" is 

 given as Genus 39 and is included in the tribe Aspleniece, 

 is derived from alias, allantos, a sausage, in allusion to 

 the cylindrical form of the indusium (covering of the spore 

 masses). Up to the present, Allantodia comprises but one 

 known species, with thin, ample pinnte (leaflets), and closely allied to the 

 extensive genus Asplenium, from which it differs by the dehiscence (mode 

 of opening) of the involucre or indusium. The sori (spore masses) are 

 dorsal (situated at the back), linear-oblong (cylinder -shaped), and are 

 attached to the principal veins. The involucre is of the same shape as the 

 sorus, and quite encloses it : when the spores are ripe it bursts in an 

 irregular line down to the centre. 



Culture. 



Like the Aspleniums, or at least the strong-growing kinds among them, 

 the Allantodia requires a substantial yet light soil, in which its fleshy roots 

 delight to run : a mixture in equal parts of fibrous peat, leaf mould, turfy 

 loam, and silver sand, is that which suits it best. The plant has a great 

 objection to being potted hard, and in potting it care must be taken that 

 the drainage should be as perfect as possible, for if there is stagnation of 



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