428 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



about lOin. long, are repeatedly branched at their extremity (Fig. 61) ; 

 the pinnaj (leaflets) of their lower part are opposite, but those of the upper 



portion are alternate (not opposite). 



The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) 

 is densely clothed with scales of a very 

 light brown colour ; these are disposed 

 even on the under- side of the pinnules 

 (leafits), and extend beyond the edges, 

 giving them the appearance of being 

 fringed with spines, especially in the 

 upper half of the fronds. — Lowe, Our 

 Native Ferns, i., p. 129, fig. 105. 



A. a. acutilobum — ac-u-til'-ob-um 

 (with acute lobes), Wollaston. 

 A very pretty and distinct variety, 

 originally found near Barnstaple. Its 

 fronds, 2ft. to 2jft. long and about 

 Gin. broad, have lanceolate pinnge 

 (spear-shaped leaflets) about Jin. wide 

 and of nearly even breadth to near 

 the tapering point. These are furnished with acute-lobate pinnules (lobed 

 and sharp-pointed leafits), those on the lower side being longer and more 

 developed than those on the upper side of the pinna; ; they are slender- 

 stalked and very spiny, the spines curling round in all directions. — Lowe, 

 Our Native Ferns, L, p. 126, fig. 102. 



A. a. acutum — ac-u'-tum (sharp-pointed), Wollaston. 



This interesting and distinct variety was found in a wild state in 

 Devonshire, in Hampshire, and in Sussex. It is of robust habit and rather 

 large, somewhat resembling A. aculeatum in general appearance. Its fronds, 

 2 ft. to 2jft. long, are spreading and borne on comparatively long stipes 

 (stalks) which are thickly covered with large scales of a dark brown colour. 

 Their pinna; (leaflets), about Jin. wide, are somewhat tapering and distant 

 (not closely set, as is usually the case), and furnished with pinnules (leafits) 

 borne on distinct though short footstalks ; these pinnules are conspicuously 



Fig. 61. Frond of Aspidium annulare acrocladon 

 (i nat. size). 



