472 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



H > 



become one of the most popular kinds grown for decorative purposes. Its 

 general aspect is somewhat similar to that of our A. (Polystichum) angulare, 

 but its evergreen fronds, l£ft. to l£ft. long and 4m. to Gin. broad, are borne 



on stiff stalks 8in. to lOin. long 

 and of a very scaly nature (Fig. 

 72). These fronds are densely 

 furnished with leaflets of a leathery 

 texture and dark shining green 

 colour, and are subdivided into 

 pinnules (leafits) that are some- 

 what heart-shaped but terminate 

 in a sharp seta (bristle), and so 

 closely set as to be in some cases 

 quite overlapping. The abundant 

 sori (spore masses) are scattered 

 over the whole of the under- 

 surface of the pinnules. This 

 plant proves perfectly hardy in 

 sheltered positions in the West 

 and South of England. 



Fig. 72, Aspidium setosum 

 (i nat. size). 



A. (Polystichum) Sikkimense — Pol-ys'-tich-um ; sik-kim-en'-se (from 

 Sikkim), Baker. 



A greenhouse species, native of Mon-Lepcha, where it is found at an 

 elevation of 10,000ft. to 11,000ft. Its fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and about 

 lft. broad, of soft texture and smooth on both sides, are borne on stout 

 stalks lft. to ljft. long, and are clothed throughout with egg-shaped scales of 

 a dark brown colour. The spear-shaped and spreading pinna? (leaflets), of 

 a thin, papery texture, are closely set, and the lowest are Gin. to 8in. 

 long and 2in. broad ; they are subdivided into unequal-sided pinnules (leafits), 

 cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) which is slightly 

 scaly throughout, into oblong lobes that are pinnatifid (divided half-way to 

 the midrib) and furnished with sharp teeth. The sori (spore masses) are 

 usually disposed one on the base of each lobe. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, 

 p. 256. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 127. 



