SELAGINELLAS. 



i6i 



S. piibescens^ Spring. This, when well grown, is one of the 

 most beautiful of Selaginellas. It is often found under 

 the name 6". Willdenovii. The fronds frequently are 

 two feet high. 



III. PLANTS DECUMBENT, OR INCLINED TO BE SO. 



S. Galeottii, Spring. Sometimes known as S. Schotti. 

 From Mexico. This is a fine plant for baskets or for 

 walls in the greenhouse. Is also excellent for the fern- 

 ery ; but it is difficult to keep it within the limits of a pan, 

 as the numerous stems often shoot out to a great length. 



S. atroviridis, Spring. From East India. A rather stiff 

 species, with somewhat large fronds. Is interesting 

 from its ruddy appearance. 



S. Martensii, Spiking. From Mexico. This is one of the 

 most common as well as most useful species in cultiva- 

 tion. It is found under the names Lycopodium stolonife- 

 rtiJ}i and L. Brasiliense. Its habit is to continually 

 throw off roots from the backs of the fronds, like a min- 

 iature banyan : hence one of its names {stoloniferum). 

 This species has been made to vary considerably. The 

 var. co7npacta is more dense than the typical form, mak- 

 ing quite bushy little plants when single. The var. di- 

 varicata is more delicate : the fronds are tipped with a 

 light, almost golden, point; and the whole appearance of 

 the plant differs widely from the other varieties. Var. 

 variegata seems to be a variegated compacta. The fronds 

 are often half white. By selecting the whitest from which 

 to propagate, the variety may be kept for any length of 

 time ; but, if the cultivator is not careful, the green 

 fronds will predominate, and the variety return to its ori- 

 ginal type. Like almost all variegated plants obtained 

 by modifying species, there is in this variety an abnormal 

 condition of existence : although this particular Selagi- 



