CHAPTER XXIII. 



ANEMIA, Swartz. 

 (An-e'-mi-a.) 

 Flowering Fern. 



HIS well-marked genus, which derives its name from aneimon, 

 naked, in reference to the peculiar nature of the panicles 

 of sporangia (spore cases), which are popularly, although 

 erroneously, termed inflorescences, is almost confined to 

 Tropical America. It forms Genus 65 in Hooker and 

 Baker's " Synopsis Filicum," and is exclusively composed of Ferns of com- 

 paratively dwarf habit, distinguished from nearly all others by having, like 

 our native Osmunda, their fructification disposed in a conspicuous " panicle " 

 standing well above the leafy portion of the frond. Through their fertile 

 segments being always wholly contracted, a peculiarity which gives them the 

 ajopearance of flowering spikes, these interesting plants are popularly known 

 as " Flowering Ferns." 



As a distinguishing character, it may be noted that in all the 

 species comprised in the genus the small and very abundant capsules form 

 a copiously-branched panicle quite distinct from the leafy portion of the frond. 

 Several authors have attempted to separate from the genus Anemia the few 

 species in which the veins are anastomosing (intermixed), and have made of 

 them the genus Anemidictyon (from aneimon, naked, and diktuon, a net, in 

 reference to the reticulated venation). In like manner some authorities have 

 placed the few species which have the fertile fronds destitute of a foliaceous 



