SELAGINELLAS. 



more closely-growing S. densa so much cultivated. But, 

 whether there are two species or one, the plants are 

 charming. S. densa, when well started, forms a solid 

 turf on a pan in a short time. Little tufts may be pricked 

 out in different parts of the pan, and will grow together. 

 This species does not generally thrive in the fern-case 

 with other plants. 



IV. PLANTS WITH FRONDS SPRINGING FROM A CENTRAL 

 POINT. 



S. convoluia, Spring. From Tropical America. Often 

 called Lycopodhnn co7ivolutu7}t and L. paradoxa. A 

 dark-green species, with rather rigid fronds, 



S. involvens, Spring. From India. More circular in form. 

 This and 



S. ctispidata, Link, from Tropical America, are dry-looking 

 species. In fact, all the Selaginellas in this section ap- 

 parently grow in countries where there is a dry season 

 at some time of the year. If not watered sufficiently, 

 they will curl up rather than wilt as other species do. 



S.pilifera. Another of the same general habit. 



S. lepidophylla, Spring. From Mexico. This is the cu- 

 rious ball-like plant which in its dead and dry condition 

 is peddled in the streets of Boston and other cities as 

 the "resurrection-plant." When this dry ball is placed 

 in water it soon unfolds, looking as if it were alive; 

 but it is not, and many have been the disappointed 

 persons who have vainly endeavored to make a speci- 

 men grow. The water is absorbed in a purely mechani- 

 cal way by the plant, just as oil is drawn up into lamp- 

 wicks by capillary attraction. The true "resurrection- 

 plant," or "rose of Jericho," is the A7iastatica hiero- 

 ckuntina of Syria, which is supposed by the superstitious 

 to unfold yearly at the day and hour of Christ's birth. 



