CHAPTER XXV. 



ANTROPHYUM, Kaulfuss. 

 ( An-troph 7 - f -urn . ) 



HIS genus, which derives its name from antron, a cavern, and 

 phuo, to grow, in allusion to the places of growth or natural 

 habitats of the species contained in it, forms Genus 55 in 

 Hooker and Baker's " Synopsis Filicum," and is a sub-division 

 of Tribe 12, Grammitidece, which, besides the genera Gymno- 

 gramme and Nothochlcena, is composed of mostly strange-looking Ferns, such 

 as Brainea, Hemionitis, Tcenitis, Vittaria, &c. Antropliyum is formed of 

 closely-allied species, almost restricted to the tropics, all with simple 

 (undivided) fronds of various forms, but of a firm, yet fleshy texture. 



The distinguishing characters of Antrophyum consist in the presence on 

 the fronds of numerous uniform, hexagonal areolas (six-sided, distinctly 

 marked-out spaces), and also in the disposition of the sori (spore masses), 

 which are carried along the veins, and imperfectly reticulated (forming an 

 irregular and imperfect network). In some species these sori are sunk in 

 a totally distinct groove : in others they are superficial or slightly immersed 

 (embedded) in the fronds. 



Culture. 



Although most Antrophyums are very interesting in themselves,' only 

 a few of them can be considered as really decorative Ferns when grown in 

 pots ; though when planted out in the warm Fernery they make very distinct 



