240 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
L,OMARlA-continurd. 
L. magellanica and L. zamioides. It is easily distinguisliod 
from any other Lomaria by its extremely dense habit and 
the succulent texture of its foliage. Altnough it hardly 
grows to sufficient height to be classed among Tree Ferns'^, 
it produces a stout, massive trunk or stem, from which 
rise a quantity of sturdy, egg-shaped barren fronds 1ft. to 
2ft. long, 6in. to Sin. broad, and having the general appear- 
ance of Zamia-leaves. There are several acknowledged 
varieties, the most distinct of which are L. B. cycacloides, 
L. B. Dalgairnsice, and L. B. rohusta. 
L. crenulata. 
A synonym of L. Germainii. 
L. discolor. 
A thoroughly distinct and beautiful greenhouse species, 
native of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, forms a 
short, thick, tough, woody stem or trunk, bearing a massive 
crown of gracefully-arching fronds. The barren ones are borne 
on strong, black stalks Sin. to Gin. long, densely clothed 
at the base with long, dark scales; they are 1ft. to 3ft. 
long, 4in. to Gin. broad, and gradually narrowed at the 
base. The numerous leaflets, 2in. to Sin. long and about 
^in. broad, are cut down nearly to the midrib, suddenly 
narrowed towards the point, and wavy on their margin; 
they are of a leathery texture, rich green above, and 
pale whitish-green beneath. As is usual among Lomarias, 
the fertile fronds are entirely different from the barren 
ones, but in this case they are furnished with numerous 
narrower and shorter leaflets, which, instead of being 
contracted in their whole length, are like the barren ones 
at the base of the fertile frond, above which part they 
are very narrow ; they are conspicuously dilated or widened 
at the base, where they are connected with the midrib, a 
character which gives the whole plant a unique appearance. 
L. d. bipinnatifida. 
This greenhouse variety, native of South Australia, is 
certainly one of the most pleasing and attractive of 
Lomarias in cultivation, not only on account of its light, 
cheerful colour, equally bright on both sides of the beauti- 
fully-cut fronds, which in general appearance resemble 
those of the Welsh Polypody (Polypodium vulgare camhri- 
cum), but also owing to its drooping habit and other 
characteristics perfectly distinct from those of the species 
to which it is said to be related. It is a somewhat arbores- 
cent Fern. As little artificial heat as possible, so as to 
keep it free from the attacks of thrips and red spider, 
should be afforded this variety. 
